Concrete Infrastructure Research Database
This database of in-progress and recently completed research related to concrete pavements and bridge decks across the US is partially a product of the former CP Road Map (or Long-Term Plan for Concrete Pavement Research and Technology). It is updated twice a year.
Research included is identified via the Transportation Research Board (TRB) list of Research in Progress (RiP), newsletters from across the concrete industry, and agency websites.
Find relevant projects using the search box below. Keywords and researchers are not shown in the table but are included in searches. (You can customize your search by clicking the down arrow to the right of the search box and/or click the “Date” header to sort results by date.)
| End Date | Title | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/1/2013 | October 2013 | A Method to Assess the Use of New and Recycled Materials in Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/a-method-to-assess-the-use-of-new-and-recycled-materials-in-pavements/ | Recycled materials, Pavements, Environmental impacts, State of the practice, Sustainable transportation, Durability, Pavement performance, Pavement design | The growing need for increased use of recycled as well as new materials in pavements has emerged due to the continuous decrease in natural resources and increased impact that the current state of practice has on the environment. Many transportation agencies are striving to make their practices and policies more "sustainable". Sustainable construction practices have been favored by the Federal and State Departments of Transportation (DOT's) as well as industry. However, the impacts of using new and recycled materials in pavements - particularly on long-term pavement durability and performance - are often unknown. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) does not have a system in place for evaluating any new or recycled materials as it relates to performance. This research will help identify methodologies to effectively determine the impacts of new recycled materials in pavement design and create a system for evaluating those materials. | Muhammed Emin Kutay, Neeraj Buch, Syed Haider, Armagan Korkmaz, Anas Jamrah, Sudhir Varma |
| 7/1/2014 | July 2014 | A Mobile Concrete Laboratory to Support Testing in 2014 on Internal Curing and High Early Strength Patches | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/a-mobile-concrete-laboratory-to-support-testing-in-2014-on-internal-curing-and-high-earl-strength-patches.--/ | Concrete curing; Concrete tests; Laboratory tests; Patching | This project describes the use a mobile testing laboratory to obtain information during the 2014 construction season for the internally cured and rapid high early strength patching projects in 2014. | Jason Weiss |
| 2/1/2018 | February 2018 | A Simple and Nondestructive Evaluation Method to Achieve High-Quality Pervious Concrete Pavement Installations | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/a-simple-and-nondestructive-evaluation-method-to-achieve-high-quality-pervious-concrete-pavement-installations/ | Pervious concrete, pavement, testing, PCP, compaction | Somayeh Nassiri | |
| 11/1/2015 | November 2015 | A Targeted Approach to High-Volume Fly Ash Concrete Pavement (Phase I) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/a-targeted-approach-to-high-volume-fly-ash-concrete-pavement-(phase-i)/ | Concrete pavements; Fly ash; Innovation; Nanotechnology; Sustainable development | Fly ash, as a main by-product of coal-fired power plant, is one of the most used supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in concrete. Research is much needed to greatly advance understanding in the use of nanotechnology for high-volume fly ash concrete (HVFAC), especially when such concrete is intended for pavement applications. The primary objective of this project is to develop a viable nanotechnology approach to treat coal fly ashes based on their as-received characteristics before their use in sustainable concrete pavement. The use of nanotechnology to address weak interfaces in such sustainable concrete is a highly innovative approach. | Sen Du, Xianming Shi |
| 5/1/2013 | May 2013 | Accelerated Slab Replacement using Temporary Precast Panels and Self Consolidating Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/accelerated-slab-replacement-using-temporary-precast-panels-and-self-consolidating-concrete/ | Design, mix design, performance tests, precast concrete, self compacting, slabs | The research approach is to develop designs for the reusable temporary precast panels, engineer mixes for self-consolidating concrete (SCC), and validate performance and construction aspects of the system in the field. | Kamal Tawfiq, Jamshid Armaghani |
| 2/1/2019 | February 2019 | Accelerated Testing of Full-Scale Thin Bonded Concrete Overlay of Asphalt | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/accelerated-testing-of-full-scale-thin-bonded-concrete-overlay-of-asphalt/ | Accelerated tests; Concrete overlays; Heavy vehicles; Loads; Pavement performance; Service life; Serviceability; Simulation | A research study was conducted with the goal of determining the expected performance life of thin bonded concrete overlay of asphalt (BCOA) in California. Eleven thin BCOA sections were built and tested with the Heavy Vehicle Simulators (HVS) in Davis, California. The performance of the sections in the HVS testing provided insight into the mechanics of the thin BCOA structures and the effects the different rapid-strength concrete materials, traffic, jointing, and base factors on their performance, including testing in both very wet and very dry conditions. Overall, the performance of the thin BCOA sections in the HVS testing was excellent. The eleven sections resisted the predefined HVS loading without cracking. In five of the sections, that loading was equivalent to 6 million single-axle loads and included load levels more than twice the legal limit in California, channelized traffic at the shoulder edge of the slabs, and a continuous water supply that simulated flooded conditions. The main conclusion from this research study is that a well-designed, well-built thin bonded concrete overlay with half-lane width slabs placed on top of an asphalt base that is in fair to good condition can provide 20 years of good serviceability on most of California’s non-interstate roadways. | Angel Mateos, John Harvey, Fabian Paniagua, Julio Paniagua, Rongzong Wu |
| 5/1/2019 | May 2019 | Advanced Reinforced Concrete Materials for Transportation Infrastructures | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/advanced-reinforced-concrete-materials-for-transportation-infrastructures/ | Alternatives analysis;ÿCost effectiveness;ÿDurability;ÿInfrastructure;ÿLife cycle costing;ÿMaterials;ÿReinforced concrete;ÿSpecifications | The objectives of this project are to: (1) identify novel materials that can be rapidly deployed in New Jersey’s reinforced concrete transportation infrastructure to improve the longevity and reduce the long-term costs of new and existing construction; (2) select cost-effective and structurally feasible materials in coordination with NJDOT for evaluation using experimental and computational methods to benchmark constructability, deterioration behavior across a range of mechanisms, and in-service structural performance among a diverse group of materials; (3) compare the economic impacts of different advanced materials across durability mechanisms and structural applications by performing life-cycle cost analyses; and (4) develop guidelines and specifications so that the materials can be rapidly deployed across the state in appropriate applications. | Matthew J Bandelt |
| 3/1/2016 | March 2016 | Advancing Steel Superstructures for ABC | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/advancing-steel-superstructures-for-abc/ | Bridge construction; Bridge superstructures; Steel bridges; Bridges and other structures; Construction; Highways | This project will test various schemes for accelerated bridge construction using steel superstructures. The testing will make recommendations for the optimal solution(s) to broaden acceptance. | Professional Services Industries, Inc. |
| 8/1/2015 | August 2015 | Aggregate Freezing-Thawing Performance using the Iowa Pore Index Method | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/aggregate-freezing-thawing-performance-using-the-iowa-pore-index-method/ | Aggregates; Concrete aggregates; Concrete pavements; Freeze thaw durability; Pavement performance; Pores (Geology); Winter maintenance | Non-durable aggregate leads to premature pavement deterioration often known as D-cracking. Repair of such distress may be costly and the agencies often end up with early replacement of the pavement. Differentiating the durable and nondurable aggregate is crucial, however, challenging. Frost durability of coarse aggregate has been reported to be related to its pore structure and available test methods to identify pore structure are not cost-effective. Iowa pore index test has been used by Iowa Department of Transportation for three decades as a supplemental decision-making tool, however, the method has never been standardized due to the lack of data relating its results to aggregate freezing-thawing durability. The research will use the Iowa pore index test to characterize concrete coarse aggregate and analyze the relationship between the Iowa pore index test and aggregates freezing-thawing performance. | Fatih Bektas, Wenjing Cai, Kejin Wang |
| 1/1/2016 | January 2016 | Air Void Analysis: Linear Traverse versus Imaged Methods | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/air-void-analysis:--linear-traverse-versus-imaged-methods/ | linear traverse, spacing factor, hardened air | This study compares air distributions found by the traditional linear traverse method to the distribution found by using an off-the-shelf image analysis program. | Will Lindquist, Rodney Montney |
| 05/31/15 | May 2015 | Alkali Content of Fly Ash - Measuring and Testing Strategies for Evaluating Compliance | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/alkali-content-of-fly-ash---measuring-and-testing-strategies-for-evaluating-compliance/ | Fly ash; Alkali silica reactions; Quality control; Sodium; Potassium; Specifications; Cracking; Iowa; Alkali content | Sodium and potassium are the common alkalis present in fly ash. Excessive amounts of fly ash alkalis can cause efflorescence problems in concrete products and raise concern about the effectiveness of the fly ash to mitigate alkali-silica reaction (ASR). Fly ash marketing agencies occasionally provide materials that just miss the criteria for alkali content given in Iowa Department of Transportation (IowaDOT) IM 491.17. Since usage is only from an approved list (certified sources) this leads to disputes that can be difficult to resolve. This is especially problematic when the alkali content of a given source of fly ash only changes by a small amount but the change causes the source to cross a specification limit. This immediately prompts the marketing agency to question the precision of the alkali determinations and/or the validity of the specification limit. This proposed research project is aimed helping to resolve these issues. Specifically, it plans to: (1) review the existing methods of fly ash alkali measurement; (2) reviewing models used to estimate alkali content of the various sources of fly ash commonly used in Iowa; (3) ascertaining how the measured alkali content of a fly ash impacts its ability to mitigate ASR; and (4) evaluating existing pavements in Iowa that were constructed using high-alkali fly ash, for ASR-induced cracking. The scope of the project is limited to the examination of fly ash sources that are commonly used by the Iowa DOT. Special attention will be given to fly ashes obtained from power stations that utilize alkali-bearing materials in their normal operating procedures. The objectives of this project are to: (1) determine if and at what content level fly ash with soda dosing has increased potential for alkali silica reactivity (ASR) as well as any other potential performance impacts in the concrete both during mixing and placing as well as long-term (good or bad); (2) evaluate field concrete containing high-alkali fly ash and moderately reactive fine aggregate to see if ASR-related distress has occurred; (3) determine a better method for determining available alkali in fly ashes with soda dosing. The method should be relatively simple and rapid in order to provide a quality control (QC) tool for the fly ash marketer and quality assurance (QA) test for the Department of Transportation (DOT); and (4) perform a literature review and/or a survey to determine if there are other materials and methods for emission control that may impact the mid-west power plants and their fly ash chemistry. A specification content limit or performance level should be determined and recommended. | Iowa State University |
| 5/30/2015 | May 2015 | Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR) In Cement Free Alkali Activated Sustainable Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/alkali-silica-reaction-(asr)-in-cement-free-alkali-activated-sustainable-concrete/ | Alkali silica reactions, Compressive strength, Portland cement concrete, Fly ash, Durability, Concrete, Shrinkage, Cracking | Increased awareness in this decade on the significance of developing sustainable materials for construction has renewed the interest in exploring Alkali Activated Concrete (AAC), a concrete that contains no cement but only industrial by-products such as fly ash and slag, as a low energy alternative to the conventional concrete. Preliminary studies to evaluate the potential of alkali activated slag/fly ash as a sustainable alternative to Portland cement concrete is quite promising. Strength comparable to Portland cement concrete has been obtained in AAC under laboratory conditions. Through a UTRC2 grant, principal investigator's (PIÛªs) research group has successfully developed AAC with compressive strengths as high as 60 MPa using slag or class C fly ash as the sole binder, and sodium silicate solution as the activator. However, transfer of this technology to the field has not received the expected momentum, primarily due to two major technical concerns: (1) potential for higher shrinkage and increased cracking, and (2) uncertainty associated with the possible Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR) related durability issues. Conducting experimental studies focusing on the detailed assessments of the durability performance is the most powerful mean to overcome these barriers. | Zihui Li, Robert J. Thomas, Diego Lazama, Sulapha Peethamparon |
| 1/9/2019 | January 2019 | An Approach to Characterize the Wearability of Concrete Pavement Surface Treatments | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/an-approach-to-characterize-the-wearability-of-concrete-pavement-surface-treatments/ | Abrasion resistance; Concrete pavements; Freeze thaw durability; Gravel; Limestone aggregates; Repeated loads; Service life; Silicates; Silicon; Surface treating; Wear | For a concrete pavement, the permeation specifications for the surface have a crucial influence on its durability. In this accelerated laboratory research, a surface treatment that combines lithium silicate chemistry with a reactive silicon catalyst was tested to typify the product longevity under traffic and against salt scaling. River gravel and limestone aggregates were used in two different mixture designs. Abrasion testing was conducted according to ASTM standards in which mass loss was recorded at different time intervals. A modification was employed using a diluted deicer simulated by 4 wt.% CaCl₂ solution during 15 cycles of freeze/thaw testing. A model was proposed to relate the abrasion efficiency against load cycles of a treated surface to represent the longevity of a concrete pavement. Based on the abrasion coefficient and the texture wavelength of the pavement, it is shown that the life cycle under abrasion of a concrete pavement can be modeled. During the experimental procedures, the untreated concrete specimens were used as the control sample. | Carl N. Abou Sleiman, Xijun Shi, Dan G. Zollinger |
| 3/23/2018 | March 2018 | An Assessment of the Models to Predict Pavement Performance | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/an-assessment-of-the-models-to-predict-pavement-performance/ | Asphalt concrete pavements; Composite pavements; Evaluation and assessment; Pavement performance; Portland cement; Regression analysis; Pavement Condition Index; Pavement prediction models; Road conditions; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Pavements; Planning and Forecasting | Data collected by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding road conditions across the state of Iowa were used to model pavement condition index (PCI). The data were for calendar year 2013, with the exception of updated PCI values from 2014 and 2015 and indicators of the resurfacing of road segments in 2014 and 2015. The data file provided by the Iowa DOT consisted of nearly 4,000 observations. Eighteen different road conditions and measures were considered as possible model inputs. Of the 18 measures, 11 were used in the final prediction of PCI in 2014 and 2015 for portland cement, composite, and asphalt cement pavement types. These measures included International Roughness Index (IRI), friction value, age, average daily traffic, PCI value in 2013, number of lanes, daily temperature change, surface type, pavement thickness, speed limit, and reconstructed kips. Series of multiple regression models were developed for the different pavement types, including aggregated pavement types with combined data. The results reveal that all 11 variables except age have a statistically significant relationship with PCI. The efficacies of the derived models, as measured by R2 values, range from 61% to 83%. Additional analyses also show that the efficacies of the derived models, as measured by root mean square error (RMSE) values, range from 6.29 to 9.52. The authors can interpret the RMSE values as indicating that approximately 95% of all prediction values should fall within 12.58 and 19.04 of the PCI values predicted by the models. Therefore, it is concluded that linear predictive models, which involve distress and descriptive characteristics of road conditions, provide a reasonable basis for estimating PCI. However, these models can be further improved by examining nonlinear effects. | William Duckworth, Ravi Nath, Victor Ekpoke |
| 5/1/2011 | May 2011 | Analysis of Bridge Deck Cracking Data | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/analysis-of-bridge-deck-cracking-data/ | Cracking | A review of mechanisms, analysis of MnDOT bridge construction data, and recommendations for treatment and prevention of cracking. | David L. Rettner, Melanie S. Fiegen, Mark B. Snyder, Kevin A. MacDonald |
| 9/3/2012 | September 2012 | Analysis of Construction Quality Assurance Procedures on Federally Funded Local Public Agency Projects | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/analysis-of-construction-quality-assurance-procedures-on-federally-funded-local-public-agency-projects/ | Quality assurance, Construction management, Construction projects, Best practices, Governments, Local government agencies | This study investigates construction quality assurance practices used on locally administered Federal-aid highway projects. The study covers various types, sizes, and scopes of transportation projects delivered by local public agencies. The study involves collecting, organizing, and analyzing data from various State highway and local public agencies. The research product is a report outlining current quality assurance practices on local public agency projects, including areas of weakness and successful practices. | Linda Karen Konrath, Leslie Ann McCarthy, Sidney Scott |
| 3/13/2018 | March 2018 | Application of a PCM-Rich Concrete Overlay to Control Thermal Induced Curling Stresses in Concrete Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/application-of-a-pcm-rich-concrete-overlay-to-control-thermal-induced-curling-stresses-in-concrete-pavements/ | PCM concrete overlay; moderate temperature gradient, mitigate curling stresses. | This study aims to evaluate the application of a Phase Change Material (PCM) rich concrete overlay to reduce curling stresses in concrete pavements. Curling stresses are the results of temperature gradient in pavements, and are comparable to the stresses that are induced by traffic loads. The weather conditions, which have a cyclic nature, are the source of curling stresses, and they cause cyclic tensile and compressive stresses in pavements. This phenomenon causes fatigue damage in concrete pavements and reduces their service life. The PCMs have a high latent heat of fusion and can increase the thermal inertia of concrete. When PCM is used in a concrete overlay, it tends to moderate the temperature gradient in the slab, and thus mitigate the curling stresses. The efficiency of the proposed PCM-rich overlay was evaluated under the real climatic conditions of three different cities in the US. The findings of this research demonstrated that the cumulative fatigue Damage Index (DI) resulted from repetitive curling stresses can be up to 22% in a concrete slab with the service life of 35 years. However, using a 7.6 cm bonded concrete overlay with 25 vol% PCM can moderate the curling stresses so much that the effect of curling induced fatigue damage would be virtually negligible. | Naser P Sharifi, Kamyar C Mahboub |
| 6/9/2014 | June 2014 | Application of Imaging Techniques to Evaluate Polishing Characteristics of Aggregates | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/application-of-imaging-techniques-to-evaluate-polishing-characteristics-of-aggregates/ | Aggregates, Friction, Imaging systems, Polishing (Aggregates), Evaluation and assessment, | The primary objective of this research is to identify approaches that can be used for aggregate pre-evaluation in order to reliably distinguish between different aggregates with different frictional characteristics. | Reynaldo Roque, Abolfazl Ravanshad, Sanghyun Chun |
| 8/8/2012 | August 2012 | Appropriate Implementation of Pavement Preservation Treatments | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/appropriate-implementation-of-pavement-preservation-treatments.--/ | Composite pavements; Hot mix asphalt; Implementation; Pavement management systems; Pavements; Portland cement concrete; Preservation; Surface treating | The objectives of this research study are to develop a list of appropriate pavement preservation treatments for use on hot mix asphalt (HMA), Composite and portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements on the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) state-maintained road network; recommend pavement management system inputs for pavement preservation treatments; develop NJDOT specifications for each pavement preservation treatment; document the constraints on pavement preservation treatments on material suppliers and contractors, and develop and facilitate pavement preservation treatment training and implementation. | Nick Vitillo, Hao Wang, Michael Boxer, Brian Tobin, Carl Rascoe, Dan Roberts |
| 5/1/2014 | May 2014 | Assessment of High Early Strength Limestone Blended Cement for Next Generation Transportation Structures | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/assessment-of-high-early-strength-limestone-blended-cement-for-next-generation-transportation-structures/ | Limestone, Blended cement, Blends, Precast concrete, Shrinkage, High early strength cement, Creep, Setting (Concrete), Permeability, Infrastructure | This research effort is aimed at evaluating the effects of increasing ground limestone addition rates and in particular high fineness blended cements developed for high early strength in precast concrete construction. Assessment of key material properties (e.g., setting time, strength development, shrinkage, creep, permeability) relevant to the construction, operation, and maintenance of transportation structures will be the focus. Results will be used to better understand the implications of changes in cement compositions and to provide guidance of how these changes can or should be accommodated in state and federal specifications for precast concrete elements intended for transportation structures. | Ahmad Shalan, Lawrence F. Kahn, Kimberly Kurtis, Elizabeth Nadelman |
| 09/01/17 | September 2017 | Assessment of Limestone Blended Cements for Transportation Applications | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/assessment-of-limestone-blended-cements-for-transportation-applications/ | Limestone, Cement, Portland cement, Performance tests, Assessments, Performance based specifications | The objective of this project is to compare the performance of limestone blended cements to conventional portland cements in concretes designed to meet Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) specifications for various types of concrete. | Kimberly E. Kurtis, Lawrence F. Kahn, Ahmad Shalan, Behnaz Zaribaf, Elizabeth Nadelman |
| 06/30/14 | June 2014 | Automated Measurement of Concrete Slump Using the Verifi System | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/automated-measurement-of-concrete-slump-using-the-verifi-system/ | Fresh concrete, Slump test, Admixtures, Temperature, Automation, Cooperation, Infrastructior | This study will evaluate the performance of an automated system of measuring the fresh properties of concrete in truck mixer. The automated system called "Verifi" enables the evaluation of slump and temperature variations as well as monitoring of the amount of water and/or dispersant added to the mixture. This collaboration is essential for future quality management of infrastructure materials. | Kamal H. Khayat, Nicolas Ali Libre |
| 7/1/2019 | July 2019 | Base Stabilization Additives - Effect on Granular Equivalency (GE) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/base-stabilization-additives---effect-on-granular-equivalency-(ge)/ | Life cycle analysis; Life cycle costing; Pavement design | Base stabilization additives are used to increase the strength and stiffness of road foundations in weak and susceptible soils. Numerous additives exist for improving performance of aggregate base layers, however, most independent studies have focused on non-proprietary additives. Additives are being used to stabilize base/subbase/subgrade layers, but engineering methods for pavement thickness design need to be better defined. In particular, determining granular equivalency (GE) factors for various proprietary geomaterial stabilizers will benefit Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and county engineers by establishing design parameter values and a means for comparing additive effectiveness and cost. The proposed research has three main goals: (1) evaluate the performance of selected proprietary additives by conducting laboratory and field tests; (2) prepare pavement designs and construction specifications based on the test results; and (3) analyze the benefits of additives in terms of pavement construction cost savings and long-term service life. | Bora Cetin |
| 09/11/14 | September 2014 | BCOA-ME | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/bcoa-me/ | concrete overlays, whitetopping, design | This pooled fund study developed an improve procedure for the design of bonded concrete overlays of existing asphalt pavements (whitetoppings). Major advances included consideration of the seasonal support provided by the underlying asphalt layer, and devlopment of fatigue cracking models based on panel size. | Julie Vandenbossche |
| 10/1/2013 | October 2013 | Best Field Practices for the Use of Self Consolidating Concrete (SCC) in Nevada DOT Projects | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/best-field-practices-for-the-use-of-self-consolidating-concrete-(scc)-in-nevada-dot-projects/ | SCC | The sensitivity of the SCC mix design to local materials and different admixtures poses a serious challenge to its implementation in NDOT projects. Also different construction applications require different performance criteria for SCC mixtures. This research will evaluate SCC properties and implementation in NDOT projects. | Aly Said, Pramen P Shrestha, Kojo Nkuako |
| 12/1/2016 | December 2016 | Best Practices for Concrete Pumping | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/best-practices-for-concrete-pumping,/ | Air voids; Best practices; Properties of materials; Pumped concrete; Rheological properties | Pumping is one of the major placement techniques used in the concrete industry to deliver concrete from the mixing truck to the formwork. Although concrete pumping has been used to place concrete since the 1960s, there is still a lack of exact knowledge supported by research evidence as to what affects concrete pumpability and how pumping changes concrete properties. | Kyle A. Riding, Jan Voshalik, Dimitri Feys, Travis Malone, Will Lindquist |
| 11/25/2014 | November 2014 | Better Concrete Mixes for Rapid Repair in Wisconsin | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/better-concrete-mixes-for-rapid-repair-in-wisconsin/ | Concrete pavements; Costs; Freeze thaw durability; Inventory; Materials; Mix design; Pavement maintenance; Pavement performance; Procedures; Specifications; Time dependence | Concrete pavements in Wisconsin have shown varying signs of deterioration due to age, environment, loading and other detrimental factors. Considering the enormous cost and effort required to remedy pavement deficiencies, it is crucial that a concerted effort be made to develop and implement practical, effective and economical methods and specifications for more durable concrete mixes for rapid repair. Due to high user delay costs for closing highways for repairs, very short closure periods are specified, requiring concrete that has a high strength gain and very fast cure times. Often times, this work needs to be done in the window of a single night closure. Due to the repair techniques used, concrete used in rapid repairs have been found to have unsatisfactory durability and performance resulting in reduced service lives. As a result, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is pursuing a research study of concrete materials and mix designs in order to achieve rapid repairs of concrete pavements that meet expected performance and service lives. The research objectives are to evaluate current practice in rapid repair of concrete pavements in Wisconsin and to recommend changes where appropriate. Four major deliverables will be provided: (1) A basic inventory of current materials, concrete mixes and procedures for rapid repair being used by WisDOT and other highway agencies; (2) Identification of high quality performing concrete rapid repair mixes that are capable of providing long life and good performance in a wet freeze-thaw climate typical for Wisconsin; (3) A field review and performance analysis on recent Wisconsin rapid repair projects to evaluate how repairs are performing; and (4) A categorization of technologies and methods available for installation, guidance for mix design and placement, and cost estimates on the concrete mixes being evaluated for rapid repair. | Steven M. Cramer, Le T. Pham, Mark B. Snyder |
| 6/15/2014 | June 2014 | Biocement for Road Repair | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/biocement-for-road-repair/ | Wastes, Pavement maintenance, Cracking, Cost effectiveness, Stabilizers, Dust control, Unpaved roads, Paving, Limestone | Road repair is an expensive operation every year. This cost can be greatly reduced if waste materials from mining and biofuel industries can be used to substitute conventional materials for road repair or construction. The objective of this project is to develop methods to produce a new construction material, biocement, using waste products and apply the new material for road repair and construction. Two types of waste will be used in this study. One is limestone fines produced from a limestone mine in Iowa. Another is organic acids, a byproduct produced from pyrolysis-based biofuel manufacturing process. The limestone fines and organic acids can be used to produce biocement under ambient temperature in an inexpensive way. The cost-effective biocement can be used as a substitute for expensive cement for roads repair and construction. Biocement grout, or biogrout, can be injected directly into cavities or cracks in pavement for road repair. As the viscosity of biogrout is low, biogrout can penetrate better into the road pavement than cement grout. Biocement mixed aggregate can be used for base or subbase for road construction. Biocement solution can also be applied directly onto shoulders as a stabilizer on unpaved roads as a dust control agent. The focus of this project will be on the development of cost-effective biocement products and its effectiveness for road repair. Once the methods for biocement production and its applications are established in lab-scale, field experiments will be carried out as a following up study. | Jian Chu, Zhiyou Wen |
| 5/2/2017 | May 2017 | Blast Furnace Slag Usage and Guidance for Indiana | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/blast-furnace-slag-usage-and-guidance-for-indiana/ | Construction projects; Leaching; Pollutants; Slag | The objective of the proposed research is to understand the extent of blast furnace slag (BFS) usage for completed INDOT projects, factors that control BFS leaching, review and recommend remediation strategies, and identify applications where future usage restrictions or sitting criteria are needed, if any. Completion of this project will equip INDOT staff with information to make decisions about future BFS usage. | Andrew Whelton |
| 10/3/2018 | October 2018 | Bond Characterization of UHPC Overlays for Concrete Bridge Decks: Laboratory and Field Testing | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/bond-characterization-of-uhpc-overlays-for-concrete-bridge-decks:-laboratory-and-field-testing/ | Bond strength (Materials); Bridge decks; Concrete overlays; Field tests; Laboratory tests; Ultra high performance concrete | This paper aims to characterize the bond behavior and performance of UHPC-class materials as overlays on bridge deck concrete substrates. The study includes laboratory testing, field testing, and microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The laboratory portion examines the direct tension bond strength between UHPC and substrate concrete with different substrate surface preparations; namely, hydrodemolition and scarification. The field testing examines the tensile bond strength of the first UHPC bridge deck overlay in the United States. Lastly, microstructural analysis is used to investigate consolidation of the overlays, the substrate surface condition, and the hydration products and porosity at the interface between the overlay and substrate. The paper discusses correlation between bond strength and consolidation, mechanical interlock, chemical bond, and substrate surface condition and preparation. | Zachary B. Habera, Jose F. Munoz, Igor De la Varga, Benjamin A. Graybeal |
| 11/5/2015 | November 2015 | Bridge Deck Concrete Surface Resistivity for Performance Based Tests | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/bridge-deck-concrete-surface-resistivity-for-performance-based-tests/ | Bridge decks; Concrete; Durability; Infrastructure; Performance based specifications; Resistivity method | Major steps have been taken with concrete reinforcing steel to address corrosion issues in Utah’s bridges. However, improving bridge deck concrete should remain a priority to extend concrete bridge deck service life. Concrete surface resistivity and bulk resistivity, are very easy to implement, non-destructive tests which can identify several important parameters, including concrete permeability and can potentially be correlated to applied tension loads, pore size distribution, internal relative humidity and accurately detect setting time. | Thomas Hales |
| 5/8/2017 | May 2017 | Bridge Deck Overlays Using Ultra-High Performance Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/bridge-deck-overlays-using-ultra-high-performance-concrete/ | Best practices; Bridge decks; Concrete bridges; Contraction; Overlays (Pavements); Skid resistance; Thermal expansion; Ultra high performance concrete | Overlays are placed on existing concrete bridge decks for reasons that include increasing cover for the deck reinforcing steel, improving rideability, and improving skid resistance. To increase service lives of bridge deck overlays, and subsequently the underlying concrete deck, this research project will investigate the possibility of using ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) to overlay existing concrete bridge decks. UHPC has been shown to have exceptional durability and strength properties that have the potential to greatly improve the sustainability of overlaying concrete bridge decks by extending the service lives of both the overlay and the concrete deck. The research project consists of a comprehensive literature review to identify best practices for traditional overlay materials that might also be used for UHPC overlays and development of practices that will ensure a strong durable bond between the UHPC overlay and the substrate material. It is crucial that this bond is able to withstand stresses and deformation caused by shrinkage of the UHPC, thermal expansion and contraction of the deck and overlay, and movements caused by loads applied to the bridge. Laboratory experiments will be conducted to verify that the practices identified are effective at maintaining the bond between a UHPC overlay and existing concrete decks. The implementation phase of the project will entail documenting the best practices for UHPC overlay application to existing concrete decks in the form of design recommendations. Field implementation is expected in on a New Mexico Department of Transportation project in late 2018. | Craig Newtson, Brad Weldon |
| 7/1/2013 | July 2013 | Bridge Decks: Mitigation of Shrinkage Cracking | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/bridge-decks:-mitigation-of-shrinkage-cracking/ | deck cracking, shrinkage, expansive concrete, SRA, lightweight aggregates, deck model, parametric study, finite element model, bridge, cracking, durability, mitigation | The goal of this study (i.e., Phase- III) is to develop ‘robust’ shrinkage mitigation strategies by combining knowledge of materials level testing with lab-scale structural testing, and develop guidelines for Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for implementation of a holistic approach that lessens premature cracking in concrete bridge decks in Illinois. The workplan below primarily focuses on the materials part of the research. A separate workplan is being submitted by SLU on the structural part of the work. A joint effort will be made to combine the small-scale materials lab test data with large-scale structural test data in order to ultimately develop guideline for field application. | Ardavan Ardeshirilajimi, Di Wu, Piyush Chaunsali, Paramita Mondal, Ying Tung Chen, Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Ahmed Ibrahim, Will Lindquist, Riyadh Hindi |
| 5/29/2019 | May 2019 | Bridge Element Deterioration for Midwest States | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/bridge-element-deterioration-for-midwest-states/ | Asset management;ÿBridge construction; Bridge design; Bridge management systems;ÿ Bridge members;ÿData analysis;ÿData collection;ÿDeterioration;ÿMaintenance;ÿState departments of transportation;ÿState of the practice | The objective of this pooled fund research is to have multiple Mid-west departments of transportation (DOTs) pool resources and historic Mid-west DOT bridge data related to element level deterioration, operation practices, maintenance activities, and historic design/construction details. This data will provide the basis for research to determine deterioration curves. A select number of deterioration curves will provide needed utility for the time-dependent deterioration of bridge elements to be used in making estimates of future conditions and work actions. This effort will pool data and through the analysis and research processes create results that will improve accuracy of various bridge management and asset management applications that the member DOTs use (BrM, Agile Assets, and other). This study will be sequenced into three tiers based on the priorities of the DOTs: Tier 1 National Bridge Elements (NBE) & National Bridge Inventory) (1) Develop element level deterioration curves for Reinforced Concrete Deck from data that will provide the basis for research to determine the deterioration curves (2) Develop element level deterioration curves for Reinforced Concrete Slab from data that will provide the basis for research to determine the deterioration curves (3) Develop deterioration curves for NBI items from data that will provide the basis for research to determine the deterioration curves (4) Develop element level deterioration curves for Reinforced Concrete Deck after a major preservation activity such as mill and overlay with rigid concrete wearing course (5) Develop predicted improvement in condition of Reinforced Concrete Deck element after a major preservation activity such as mill and overlay (6) In addition to probabilistic deterioration curves, also develop deterministic deterioration curves that better may fit with field observations Tier 2 Bridge Management Elements (BME) (7) Develop element level deterioration curves for each type of wearing surface (bare concrete, sealed concrete, thin polymer overlay, PPC overlay, ridged concrete overlay, Polymer Modified Asphalt overlay, and asphalt overlay with membrane) from data that will provide the basis for research to determine the deterioration curves (8) Develop element level deterioration curves for Strip Seal Deck Joints and Modular Deck Joints from data that will provide the basis for research to determine the deterioration curves (9) Determine defect level deterioration curves that describe defect development and progression (e.g., cracking and delamination) (10) Develop defect level deterioration curves for Paint system (protective steel) effectiveness (11) Develop defect level deterioration curves for Steel Girder corrosion, and correlate to Paint system effectiveness; specifically, how long from new paint to 75% and 50% effective and end of life (12) Develop element level deterioration curves for substructure elements in harsh environments (i.e., pier caps under expansion joints, pier columns in spray zone from snow plows, etc.) Tier 3 (similar Agency Defined Elements (ADE) & Inspection related) (13) From research results, determine what type of inspection information (nondestructive testing) Mid-west DOTs have that translates into information on element level defects (GPR, Thermograph, other) (14) Use DOT past data and research and analysis results to determine the reliability of Infrared Thermography and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for defect reporting (to describe delamination and deterioration) of concrete bridge decks. | Lynn Hanus |
| 4/1/2018 | April 2018 | Calcium Sulfoaluminate Cement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/calcium-sulfoaluminate-cement/ | Calcium sulfates; Cement; Concrete industry; Durability; Pavement maintenance; Repairing; Highways; Materials; Pavements | In the North American market, calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement is primarily used as a rapid pavement repair material. This article provides an overview of the unique features and benefits of CSA cement, the durability of CSA cement concrete, and ongoing and potential applications within the concrete industry. | Robert J Thomas, Marc Maguire, Andrew D Sorensen, Ivan Quezada |
| 7/15/2015 | July 2015 | Calibrating the Iowa Pore Index with Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry and Petrography | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/calibrating-the-iowa-pore-index-with-mercury-intrusion-porosimetry-and-petrography/ | Pavement performance, Winter maintenance, Freeze thaw tests, Durability, Pore size distribution, Test procedures, Crushed rock | The Iowa Pore Index (IPI) test is a fast, non-destructive, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly test used by several Midwestern state departments of transportation to determine the volume ratio of macropores to micropores in a coarse rock aggregate. When combined with x-ray diffraction and x-ray fluorescence, this method has been shown to be effective in predicting the performance of aggregates in portland cement concrete. The test has the potential to replace mercury porosimetry and be integrated into any petrophysical laboratory. This research aimed to understand the geological factors (depositional environment, facies, grain and pore types, texture, and paragenesis) responsible for the results of the IPI test. Samples of various geologic ages were collected around Iowa to represent different combinations of accepted and rejected porosity and clay contents. The pore index of each sample was calibrated quantitatively via helium and mercury porosimetry and qualitatively via thin section petrography. The findings show that even the most homogeneous sources have at least three different rock types. Petrographic analysis showed that limestones with a sparite matrix, peloidal grains, and a low matrix-to-allochem ratio (i.e., grainy) are better for road construction than limestones with a micrite matrix, skeletal grains, and a high matrix-to-allochem ratio (i.e., muddy). Dolostones with fine to coarse grains, crystal-supported euhedral to subhedral rhombs, and porous intercrystalline areas are more desirable than dolostones with very fine grains and a tightly interlocking crystal mosaic in anhedral form. Several linear models were developed to relate IPI to helium porosity. Limestones with a helium porosity less than ~7% and dolostones with a helium porosity greater than ~13% were found to be desirable for use in road construction. The critical range of pore-throat size was found to be between 0.02 and 0.1 µm. Coarse aggregates with modal pore throat sizes above this range were found to be desirable for use in road construction. | Franciszek Hasiuk, Muhammad Firdaus Ahmed Ridzuan, Peter Taylor |
| 1/6/2017 | January 2017 | Calibration of the AASHTO Pavement Design Guide to SC Conditions - Phase II | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/calibration-of-the-aashto-pavement-design-guide-to-sc-conditions---phase-ii/ | Calibration; Data collection; Pavement design; Pavement distress; Pavement maintenance | The overarching goal of this multi-phase research effort is to reduce design bias and increase precision of the model predictions used in Mechanistic Empirical Design Guide (MEPDG) with full consideration of South Carolina local conditions. The objective of Phase II will be to build upon the studies in Phase I to obtain local calibration factors and improve distress predictions by collecting new data of high priority. | Sarah Gassman |
| 08/09/14 | August 2014 | Carbonate Aggregate in Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/carbonate-aggregate-in-concrete/ | carbonate aggregates, concrete | Study to characterize Minnesota's aggregates and to investigate whether or not some aggregates rejected by the current MnDOT criteria can potentially be used in pavement concrete. | Fatih Bektas, Kejin Wang, Jiaxi Ren |
| 6/1/2017 | June 2017 | Case Study Report on Full-Depth Repair | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/case-study-report-on-full-depth-repair/ | Full Depth Repair, deteriorated joints, partial and full slab replacement | Full-depth repair (FDR) is a well-established technique applied to existing jointed plain and jointed reinforced concrete pavements (JPCP and JRCP) that includes both partial slab replacement and full slab replacement to address any variety of serious distress. FDR provides for the long-term repair of structurally and/or functionally deteriorated joints, working cracks, shattered slabs, and multiple slab distress. When combined with other needed concrete pavement restoration (CPR) techniques, FDR can significantly increase pavement service life before structural overlay or reconstruction is required. FDR can also increase the life of a pavement to be overlaid by providing high joint load transfer efficiency (LTE) to restore stability and control reflection cracking severity | Michael Darter |
| 1/1/2017 | January 2017 | Characterization and Performance of Zero-Cement Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/characterization-and-performance-of-zero-cement-concrete/ | Admixtures; Binders; Bridge decks; Concrete; Fly ash; Girders; Hydration; Portland cement | This study has investigated the feasibility of using five different types of class C fly ashes (FAs) sourced from Labadie, Jeffrey, Kansas City, Thomas Hill, and Sikeston power plants in the state of Missouri to synthesize zero-cement concrete (ZCC) for different structural and repair applications. Alkali activator (Alk) consisting of sodium silicate (SS), Na2SiO3, and sodium hydroxide (SH), NaOH were used to synthesize the ZCC. Slag, crumb rubber, and air-entraining admixture (AEA) were used in a few mixtures as additives to improve the durability of the ZCC. | Eslam Gomaa, Simon Sargon, Cedric Kashosi, Ahmed Gheni, Mohamed ElGawady, William Schonberg |
| 9/1/2017 | September 2017 | Characterization of Bases and Subbases for AASHTO ME Pavement Design | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/characterization-of-bases-and-subbases-for-aashto-me-pavement-design/ | Aggregates; Aggregates by source; Asphalt; Cold in-place recycling; Concrete; Emulsions; Hot mix asphalt; Materials; Materials at high or low temperatures; Pavement layers; Portland cement concrete; Recycled materials; Soil cement; Stabilized materials; Subbase (Pavements); Values in measurement | The goal of this research is to identify material level 1, level 2, and level 3 inputs and properties for Graded Aggregate Base (GAB), Cement Stabilized Aggregate Base (CSAB), Cement Modified Recycled Base (CMRB), Soil-Cement, Cold in Place Recycling (CIR) with Foam, CIR with Emulsion required for use in the MEPDG. In addition, the research will investigate relationship between laboratory and field testing properties for each material type by comparing lab results to field results. | Serji Amirkhanian |
| 12/21/2016 | December 2016 | Characterization of environmental loads related concrete pavement deflection behavior using Light Detection and Ranging technology | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/characterization-of-environmental-loads-related-concrete-pavement-deflection-behavior-using-light-detection-and-ranging-technology/ | Environmental load-related deflection; Light Detection; (LiDAR) system. | Repeated deflection behavior resulting from temperature and moisture variations across concrete pavement depth causes curling and warping of Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement systems. Although curling and warping issues have been investigated extensively, there are no standardized methods or procedures currently available to characterize the degree/magnitude of this in situ environmental load-related deflection. This study discusses the development of a detailed procedure for assessing environmental load-related deflection of concrete pavement using a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system. LiDAR systems have been recognized as an advanced technology for transportation infrastructure inspection but have not been widely investigated for measuring environmental load-related deflection of concrete pavements. In this study, field surveys were conducted on six identified concrete pavement sites in Iowa by scanning the concrete slab surfaces using the stationary LiDAR instrument. Based on dense point cloud data obtained by the LiDAR instrument, a data processing algorithm was developed to obtain the degrees of environmental load-related deflection. The degrees of deflection obtained were correlated to variations in pavement performance, mix design, pavement design, and construction details at each site. The results and findings from this study describe a potentially novel method of using LiDAR system for environmental load-related deflection characterization of concrete pavement. | Shuo Yang, Halil Ceylan, Kasthurirangan Gopalakrishnan, Sunghwan Kim, Peter C Taylor, Ahmad Alhasan |
| 7/1/2015 | July 2015 | Characterization of Portland Cement Concrete Coefficient of Thermal Expansion in South Carolina | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/characterization-of-portland-cement-concrete-coefficient-of-thermal-expansion-in-south-carolina/ | Coefficients; Failure; Pavement design; Portland cement concrete; Road construction; Thermal expansion | The objective of this study is to provide specific inputs and guidance in the selection and specification of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) for portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement design and construction. The new pavement design methodology has the potential to provide pavement designs that will perform more predictably than current designs and avoid potential issues that might cause premature pavement failure. By appropriately calibrating the new American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) pavement design methodology, the Department will be able to avoid costly premature pavement failures and better optimize its pavement investments. | Trent H. Dellinger, Amir Poursee |
| 6/2/2019 | June 2019 | Characterization of Recycled Concrete Aggregate after Eight Years of Field Deployment | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/characterization-of-recycled-concrete-aggregate-after-eight-years-of-field-deployment/ | Base course (Pavements);ÿChemical properties;ÿConcrete aggregates;ÿHeavy metals;ÿLeachate;ÿRecycled materials;ÿSubgrade materials | Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is a high-quality substitute for virgin aggregate as base or subgrade material in pavement construction. However, heavy metal leaching and/or production of high pH leachate are environmental risks commonly associated with the use of RCA. To characterize changes in physical and chemical properties after use, RCA base course and subgrade soil samples were recovered from the Minnesota road research (MnROAD) field site after eight years and compared to the original RCA physical and chemical characteristics. RCA samples were analyzed to determine their mineralogy, carbonate content, acid neutralization capacity (ANC), material pH, and trace element leaching potential. ANC was higher in the recovered RCA and higher for the fine-grained RCA particles than the coarse particles, which was confirmed by extensive carbonation of the fines fractions during field deployment. Material pH of RCA and subgrade soil samples were significantly higher than leachate pH measured in previous and current field investigations of this site, suggesting that conventional laboratory techniques do not represent field conditions and should be modified to better represent field conditions. | Bharat Madras Natarajan, Zoe Kanavas, Morgan Sanger, Jared Rudolph, Jiannan Chen, Tuncer Edil, Matthew Ginder-Vogel |
| 12/01/15 | December 2015 | Characterizing and Quantifying the Shrinkage Resistance of Alkali Activated (Cement Free) Concrete and Evaluating Potential Methods for Reducing Early Age Cracking In Pavements and Bridges | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/characterizing-and-quantifying-the-shrinkage-resistance-of-alkali-activated-(cement-free)-concrete-and-evaluating-potential-methods-for-reducing-early-age-cracking-in-pavements-and-bridges/ | Concrete, Shrinkage, Alkali aggregate reactions, Cracking, Raw materials, Energy consumption, Sustainable development, Climate change, Pollutants | Concrete is one of the most commonly used construction materials for building nationÛªs infrastructure such as roadways, bridges, tunnels, and buildings, with a per-capita consumption of more than two tons. The most energy consuming and expensive component of concrete is Portland cement, which accounts for more than 70% of the raw material cost towards producing concrete. One metric ton of Portland cement production consumes about 5,792,000 BTU of energy. In addition to the cost and vast energy consumption, cement manufacturing processes releases significant amount of into CO2 the atmosphere. The chemical reactions of raw materials during pyro-processing produce about 0.54 tons of CO2 for every ton of cement manufactured. Another 0.43 tons of per CO2 ton of cement is released from the fuel used for burning the raw materials. Thus it is not surprising that cement manufacturing process accounts for 4-5% of global CO2 emission and it touches on wide range of sustainability issues including climate change, pollution, solid waste land filling and resources depletion. A solution to address these environmental and energy challenges is to develop a sustainable alternative binding material that can replace the whole or at least part of the cement used in concrete. Significant effort has been invested in developing alternative binding materials by activating commonly available industrial by-products, such as Fly ash (FA) and Granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) using alkalis. The resulting concrete is called as alkali activated concrete (AAC) (also known as cement free /Geopolymer concrete). | Sulapha Peethamparan, Robert J Thomas |
| 10/21/2017 | October 2017 | Characterizing Strength and Thermal Properties of Concrete for Implementation of Pavement Mechanistic-Empirical Design in New Mexico | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/characterizing-strength-and-thermal-properties-of-concrete-for-implementation-of-pavement-mechanistic-empirical-design-in-new-mexico/ | Coarse aggregates; Mechanistic-empirical pavement design; Pavement performance; Rigid pavements; Thermal expansion; Thermal properties | The format of the design and performance prediction of rigid pavements was reformed with the advent of Pavement mechanistic-empirical (ME) design procedure, which now serves as the state-of-the-art tool in pavement design. Various state agencies have either completed or in the process of calibration of distress prediction models and characterization of concrete materials to provide accurate inputs required by t was found that the concrete strength and thermal properties including elastic modulus, modulus of rupture and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) are the most important input data that affect the design and performance of rigid pavements. Accurate rigid pavement design is heavily dependent on accuracy of these material inputs. This study is part of a New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) research project that focuses on the development of guidelines for characterizing Portland cement concrete (PCC) materials for paving mixes being used in New Mexico. Concrete mixes with 5 different coarse aggregates were tested for these pivotal concrete properties at the curing age of 7, 14, 28 and 90 days, and for CTE at 28 days. The laboratory test results represent level 1 PCC material inputs. The data collected offered an excellent opportunity to validate and refine the ME default level 2 models for estimating flexural strength and elastic modulus based on compressive strength data. The data demonstrated a slight deviation from the nationally calibrated models. CTE values of concrete based on aggregate type were established for these paving mixes. Further analysis verified the benefit of using the level 1 inputs over the default level 3 inputs for accurate pavement design and performance prediction. It was also highlighted that transverse cracking is the most significantly affected performance parameter between the pavement designed with level 1 and level 3 material inputs. | Gauhar Sabih, Rafiqul A Tarefder |
| 3/1/2018 | March 2018 | Chemical Deicers and Concrete Pavement: Impacts and Mitigation | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/chemical-deicers-and-concrete-pavement:-impacts-and-mitigation/ | Anti-icing; Calcium chloride; Concrete pavements; Deicing chemicals; Deterioration; Freeze thaw durability; Magnesium chloride; Mitigation strategies; Highways; Pavements | This Tech Brief focuses on a recently recognized form of deterioration on concrete pavements referred to as chemical deicer distress. It is gaining attention due to the increased frequency and severity of its appearance, which is related to the increased use of aqueous solutions of calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) for pavement deicing (Sutter et al. 2008; Weiss and Farnam 2015). The resulting pavement distress often first appears as a “shadowing” at the pavement joints, which progresses into disintegration of the concrete (Taylor, Sutter, and Weiss 2012). This Tech Brief summarizes the use of chemical anti-icers and deicers, reviews how hydraulic cement paste (HCP) is traditionally protected from freeze-thaw damage, describes physical and chemical distress mechanisms in the presence of aqueous CaCl₂ or MgCl₂ brine solutions, and discusses strategies that can be employed to mitigate this distress. | Tom Van Dam |
| 1/1/2012 | January 2012 | Class F Fly Ash Assessment for Use in Concrete Pavement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/class-f-fly-ash-assessment-for-use-in-concrete-pavement/ | Concrete pavements; Durability; Evaluation; Fly ash; Mix design; Pavement performance; Paving; Specifications; Strength of materials; SCM | The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) currently specifies Class C fly ash for use as a partial replacement for Portland cement in concrete pavements. Class F fly ash sources were eliminated from WisDOT specifications in the 1990s due to high values of loss on ignition (LOI) which led to difficulties in establishing and maintaining a proper entrained air void system in the concrete used in paving applications. A recent study that looked at the use of Class F fly ash demonstrated its potential usage in WisDOT specifications. However, research is needed to evaluate the feasibility of expanding current specifications to allow for use of Class F fly ash in concrete paving applications with southern Wisconsin aggregates. In order for Class F fly ash to be a viable alternative as a supplemental cementitious material, its use must produce mixes that meet current performance standards in respect to strength (including early strength) and durability, when compared with a commonly used Class C fly ash. The main objective of this study is to evaluate whether the locally available Class F fly ash from Elm Road Generating Station, operated by WE Energies and located in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, will provide satisfactory performance in concrete pavement, in comparison with a Class C fly ash from Columbia Energy Center currently in use. The study will also provide mix design guidance related to acceptable proportions of Class F fly ash that can be used in paving applications without negatively impacting performance. | Konstantin Sobolev, Mohamadreza Moini, Rani Pradoto, Marina Kozhukhova, Ismael Flores-Vivian, Scott Muzenski, Habib Tabatabai, Hani H Titi |
| 2/1/2019 | February 2019 | Closed-Form Solution for Curling Responses in Rigid Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/closed-form-solution-for-curling-responses-in-rigid-pavements/ | Concrete pavements; Elastic analysis; Rigid pavements; Slabs; Structural analysis | Closed-form expressions for calculating stresses and displacements of partially restrained concrete pavement caused by a linear temperature gradient are presented. Translational and rotational linear elastic springs along the slab edges defined the partial restraint. In addition to plate theory behavior, the model assumes linear elastic concrete and an infinitely long slab resting on a Winkler foundation. The solutions of curling stresses and displacements were validated using the finite-element (FE) method and quantified the effect of semirigid connections, slab and foundation material properties, and slab thickness and width on them. Rotational and translational restraints, which can be related to joint condition in concrete pavement, had significant influence on the magnitude and location of maximum curling stresses and deflections. | Jamie Hernandez, Imad L Al-Qadi |
| 06/30/14 | June 2014 | Colored PCC Deterioration | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/colored-pcc-deterioration/ | colored concrete, joint deterioration | This objective of this study is to investigate the causes for early deterioration of colored concrete pavements in Minnesota. Dtermination will be made whether the distress is caused by construction practices or materials related issues. | Tom Burnham, Ally Akkari, Gerard Moulzolf, Larry Sutter |
| 10/17/2013 | October 2013 | Comparison of Fresh Concrete Air Content Test Methods & Analysis of Hardened Air Content in Wisconsin Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/comparison-of-fresh-concrete-air-content-test-methods-&-analysis-of-hardened-air-content-in-wisconsin-pavements/ | Air content, Fresh concrete, Test procedures, Concrete pavements, Service life, Durability, Admixtures, Alternatives analysis, Wisconsin | A recent study sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has revealed that the air contents in fresh concrete measured by pressure meter method are lower than those in the hardened concrete of the same pavement concrete. In addition, observation of air entrainment in hardened concrete shows interconnected and irregular void patterns that could lead to a decrease in durability and pavement life. Determining accurate air contents on fresh concrete in the field will allow the WisDOT and paving industry to optimize properties of the concrete mix in regards to strength, durability, and economy. The objective of this research is to evaluate accuracy of test methods for measurement of air content in fresh concrete in comparison to air content in the hardened concrete of the same type, and to determine the hardened air content and air void dispersion in Wisconsin’s concrete pavement. The results will recommend proper method and procedure to determine air content in fresh concrete on WisDOT projects, recommend values for concrete properties to be used by WisDOT in the Standard Specifications for Highway and Structure Construction and the applicable Standard Special Provisions, and to report potential changes in practice and benefits in terms of performance and cost savings. | Le Pham, Steven Cramer |
| 9/8/2018 | September 2018 | Comparison of Response for Three Different Composite Pavement Sections to Environmental Loads | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/comparison-of-response-for-three-different-composite-pavement-sections-to-environmental-loads/ | Overlay composites | Composite pavement structures are constructed mainly either as Portland cement concrete (PCC)-over-PCC or hot mix asphalt (HMA)-over-PCC. Several successful in-service projects have been reported in Europe. The design and construction of these sections in the United States, however, still require effort. The current study includes the analysis of the response of three different composite pavement sections to the environmental loads. These sections were constructed in May of 2010 at the Minnesota Road Research Facility. The sections are constructed in three individual cells, Cell 70, a HMA-over-PCC with recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), Cell 71, exposed aggregate concrete (EAC)-over-RCA and Cell 72, EAC-over-economical concrete. All cells were heavily instrumented with thermocouples, moisture sensors, and static and dynamic strain gauges. This study characterises the structural response of HMA-over-PCC pavements and also PCC-over-PCC to the environmental loads. | Somayeh Nassiri, Feng Mu, Mathew Geary, Julie M Vandenbossche |
| 2/1/2019 | February 2019 | Comparison of Spacing Factors as Measured by the Air-Void Analyzer and ASTM C457 | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/comparison-of-spacing-factors-as-measured-by-the-air-void-analyzer-and-astm-c457/ | Air voids; Concrete pavements; Freeze thaw durability; Spacing; Specifications; Test procedures | The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) began using the Air-Void Analyzer (AVA) in 2001 and first incorporated an AVA spacing factor requirement into paving specifications beginning in late 2002. In 2005, a statewide investigation to evaluate the AVA and specifications began with the collection of 100-mm diameter hardened concrete samples taken at or near locations where the spacing factor was determined with the AVA. The hardened concrete samples were tested to determine the spacing factor in accordance with ASTM C457, a well-established test method used to determine spacing factors in hardened concrete. A total of 270 data pairs were collected to evaluate KDOT’s current use of the AVA and ASTM C457 tests and to determine if a correlation (either direct or pass-fail criteria) exists between spacing factors obtained with the two methods. Results of the study indicate that average spacing factors obtained with the AVA were 1.67 times higher than average spacing factors determined using ASTM C457. A strong direct correlation was not identified between the two test methods although pass-fail criterion that limits agency risk of accepting concrete with an inadequate air-void system was identified. | Will Lindquist, Rodney Montney |
| 9/1/2009 | September 2009 | Concrete Bridge Deck Crack Sealant Evaluation and Implementation | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/concrete-bridge-deck-crack-sealant-evaluation-and-implementation/ | bridge deck cracking, sealants, crack sealers, maintenance | Perform field testing and evaluation of 12 crack repair products over a 3 year period that came from recommendations found in a previous MnDOT project titled "Crack and Concrete Deck Sealant Performance." | Matthew S Oman |
| 6/14/2016 | June 2016 | Concrete Grinding Residue: Its Effect on Roadside Vegetation and Soil Properties | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/concrete-grinding-residue:-its-effect-on-roadside-vegetation-and-soil-properties/ | Backslopes; Diamond grinding; Environmental impacts; Foreslopes; Roadside flora; Vegetation control | Diamond grinding of Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) highway surfaces, a maintenance operation carried out to extend the pavement service life, generates a high-pH and high alkalinity slurry (water, concrete and aggregate residue), referred to as Concrete Grinding Residue (CGR). The objective of the proposed research is to gain a stronger understanding of the CGR effects on soil, water infiltration, and vegetation through an in-situ, statistically rigorous study that will analyze inslope and/or backslope soil samples and assess soil and vegetation properties before and after placement of the CGR. Based on the study findings, Minnesota Department of Transportation's (MnDOT's) Office of Environmental Stewardship will: l) be able to better assess the need for soil amendments, either prior to or after CGR placement; 2) be in a better position to recommend possible changes to CGR slurry offloading or placement practices; and 3) be able to better assess the need for possible changes to inslope/backslope seed mixes. | Halil Ceylan, Yang Zhang, Bora Cetin, Sunghwan Kim, Bo Yang, Chenyi Luo, Robert Horton, Kasthurirangan Gopalakrishnan |
| 12/1/2016 | December 2016 | Concrete Pavement Blowup Considering Generalized Boundary Conditions | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/concrete-pavement-blowup-considering-generalized-boundary-conditions/ | Blowups; Elastic foundations | An analytical expression for static stability of a rectangular slab with two simply supported and two elastically restrained edges is presented. The linear elastic isotropic slab can represent a rigid pavement resting on an elastic foundation and loaded by a uniform in-plane axial load per unit length along the edges. The partially restrained edges are connected to the ground by translational and rotational elastic springs; an appropriate magnitude of the springs can capture classical boundary conditions such as free, simply supported, and clamped edges. Results from classical boundary conditions and a finite-element model were used to validate the proposed stability equation. The generalized boundary conditions were found to change the critical load by a factor of two and greatly affected the first buckling mode shape of a typical concrete pavement. The critical load was not sensitive to the slab’s geometry if the length was four times longer than the width, but this was not the case for small aspect ratios. Finally, the translational spring was found to be a defining factor in determining the influence of the other variables on the critical load. | Jaime A Hernandez, Imad Al-Qadi |
| 10/1/2014 | October 2014 | Concrete Pavement Mixture Design and Analysis (MDA): Factors Influencing Drying Shrinkage | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/concrete-pavement-mixture-design-and-analysis-(mda):-factors-influencing-drying-shrinkage./ | Cement paste; Concrete pavements; Drying; Literature reviews; Mix design; Shrinkage | This literature review focuses on factors influencing drying shrinkage of concrete. Although the factors are normally interrelated, they can be categorized into three groups: paste quantity, paste quality, and other factors. | Peter Taylor, Xuhao Wang |
| 5/1/2016 | May 2016 | Concrete Pavement Quality Control Testing Requirements Needed for the Super Air Meter | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/concrete-pavement-quality-control-testing-requirements-needed-for-the-super-air-meter/ | Air content; Air voids; Concrete pavements; Freeze thaw durability; Measuring instruments; Paving; Quality control | Concrete freeze-thaw durability is prominently linked to the air void system within the concrete. Concrete pavements in Kansas undergo repetitive freeze-thaw cycles. Total air content measurements currently used on fresh concrete do not provide any indication of the air void size distribution. The Super Air Meter (SAM) addresses this issue by providing the air content and an additional number, the SAM number, which is claimed by the manufacturer to correlate to the concrete hardened air void spacing factor. | Kyle A Riding, Mohammed T Albahttiti |
| 1/1/2018 | January 2018 | Construction and Rehabilitation of Concrete Pavements under Traffic | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/construction-and-rehabilitation-of-concrete-pavements-under-traffic/ | National advancements in concrete pavement construction, rehabilitation | With advancements in materials, equipment, placement procedures, and project management techniques, the construction and rehabilitation of concrete pavements can be effectively accomplished under traffic. Many projects have been constructed under varying levels of traffic, ranging from temporary closures to the maintenance of high traffic volumes adjacent to or through the projects. However, the current state of the practice in constructing or rehabilitating concrete pavements under traffic relies primarily on a few high-profile and well-documented projects. This study identified practices from projects representing a wider range of conditions and techniques. Information on existing practices and advancements in concrete pavement construction and rehabilitation was gathered through literature reviews and a survey of state transportation agencies, including that of the District of Columbia and the Illinois Tollway. Furthermore, sixteen case examples were reported to illustrate successful projects conducted under a variety of scenarios. | Shreenath Rao, Deepak Raghunathan |
| 3/29/2018 | March 2018 | Construction Techniques for Electrically Conductive Heated Pavement Systems | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/construction-techniques-for-electrically-conductive-heated-pavement-systems/ | Airport runways; Aprons (Airports); Concrete pavements; Deicing; Heat radiation; Heating systems; Paving; Technological innovations; Des Moines International Airport | Ice and snow accumulation on airport paved surfaces has the potential to cause fatal accidents and monetary loss due to flight delays and cancellations. Traditional de-icing methods involving the application of chemicals or salt and employing large machines can create negative environmental and structural impact on airport infrastructure systems. These methods are also considered to be labor intensive and a safety hazard, especially in congested areas such as aprons. Heated pavement systems using electrically conductive concrete (ECON) have been proposed as a promising alternative technology for preventing ice accumulation and mitigating the adverse effects of using traditional snow removal methods. The objective of this study is to present information and experience about the design, construction procedures, and performance of heated pavement systems using jointed plain concrete pavements for the construction of large-scale heated airport pavements. It is based on detailed field demonstration of the electrically conductive concrete (ECON) heated pavement system (HPS) at the north general aviation (GA) apron of the Des Moines International Airport (DSM) in Iowa, in collaboration with contractors, and airport staff representatives. The expected outcome of this study will help the construction industry to better understand optimal ECON construction methods. | Hesham Abdualla, Halil Ceylan, Kristen S Cetin, Sunghwan Kim, Peter C Taylor, Mani Mina, Bora Cetin, Kasthurirangan Gopalakrishnan, Sajed Sadati |
| 8/14/2018 | August 2018 | Contextual Heat Island Assessment for Pavement Preservation | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/contextual-heat-island-assessment-for-pavement-preservation/ | Global Warming Potential (GWP); Pavement preservation | Pavement preservation (PP) is a planned set of construction and material interventions that can extend the pavement’s service life and may also impact sustainability through Heat Island (HI) mitigation. The HI mitigation potential can vary from location-to-location and with time. For agencies to widely adopt the PP, it is necessary to quantify the benefits based on the context of the project. A method to calculate the Global Warming Potential (GWP) for the HI effect was developed and illustrated for four cities in the US: Chicago, Austin, San Diego and Philadelphia, for hypothetical pavements with three preservation options: chip seals, a concrete inlay, and an asphalt concrete inlay. The use phase GWP with respect to HI was estimated for all cases given a 2-, 5-, 7- or 10-year service life. Overall, the HI in the use phase was found to dominate the total GWP relative to the materials and construction phases. The HI GWP savings increase over time, with the 10-year savings being greatest for San Diego using the concrete inlay (22.5 kg CO₂-eq/m²) and smallest for Chicago with a chip seal (8.0 kg CO₂-eq/m²). The savings were found to increase in areas that have a more pronounced HI and could offset GWP in the other phases. The proposed method allows agencies to estimate HI GWP for a specific preservation strategy, location and service life. | Sushobhan Sen, Jeffery Roesler |
| 7/1/2014 | July 2014 | Continuous Long-Term Health Monitoring Using Ultrasonic Wave Propagation | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/continuous-long-term-health-monitoring-using-ultrasonic-wave-propagation/ | Reinforced concrete, Bridge decks, Nondestructive tests, Structural health monitoring, Delamination, Ground penetrating radar, Acoustic emission, Reinforcing bars | Many different techniques of health monitoring and nondestructive testing (NDT) methodologies have been employed to detect rebar and overlay delamination in reinforced concrete bridge decks. NDT to monitor delamination in concrete bridge decks was initially done by acoustic sounding techniques such as chain dragging and hammer sounding. These relatively simple methods can only be employed by trained and experienced inspectors, require a lot of time, and yet provide only a qualitative assessment of the condition of the specimen. Recently, due to advancements in imaging technologies, acoustics, seismic measurements, and electromagnetics; NDT methods such as Ground Penetration Radar (GPR), Ultrasonic testing, and Impact Echo have gained popularity. Other NDT techniques also utilized to monitor concrete bridge deck delaminations include: radiography, infrared thermography, and acoustic emission, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Radiography is expensive and requires radioactive protection, thus only highly trained and licensed personnel can carry out these methods, and it still poses potential safety hazards. Applications of infrared thermography are limited due to their heat differential requirements, which also creates application time constraints. Acoustic emission method requires load control, which limits it to be used primarily in lab research (Ghorbanpoor et.al. 2003). The proposed methodology is intended to provide a continuous health monitoring method for reinforced concrete bridge decks. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop a novel method using ultrasonic wave propagation (UWP) to identify the onset of rebar delaminations and to provide continuous health monitoring for the structure. | Ece Erdogmus |
| 5/1/2014 | May 2014 | Corrosion Sensitivity of Concrete Mix Designs | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/corrosion-sensitivity-of-concrete-mix-designs.--/ | Absorption; Admixtures; Corrosion resistance; Durability; Fly ash; Mix design; Permeability; Reinforced concrete; Silica fume; Slag cement | This study compared the durability of concrete mixtures containing supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) by evaluating the permeability, absorption, and corrosion resistance of seven mix designs and two types of reinforcement. Permeability and alkalinity are contributing factors to the durability of portland cement concrete and can strongly influence the service life and corrosion resistance of the embedded steel. In reinforced concrete systems, the ingress of chloride ions increases the probability of corrosion of the reinforcing steel. Reducing the permeability of concrete enhances its durability by hindering the ingress of chloride ions from reaching the embedded steel surface and initiating corrosion. SCMs such as Class F fly ash, silica fume, and slag cement are widely used in concrete in an effort to reduce permeability. In addition, the alkaline environment of concrete enables the formation of a passive film on the surface of the steel. As long as this protective environment is maintained, the corrosion rate of the reinforcing bar will be insignificant for the majority of applications. The results of this study indicated that the use of SCMs can reduce the permeability and absorption of the concrete, leading to more durable structures than those with plain concretes; therefore, their continued use in structures by the Virginia Department of Transportation is recommended. However, different SCMs have varying levels of durability, and the agency should consider this information when selecting SCMs for specific applications. The absorption test results in this study provided a reasonable correlation with the corrosion test results. Therefore, the absorption test should be more closely investigated as a means of evaluating the corrosion protection provided by SCMs. This study also demonstrated that the corrosion-resistant reinforcement plays the most vital role in minimizing corrosion. SCMs provide durable concretes and in combination with the corrosion-resistant reinforcement ensure reinforced concrete structures with longer service lives. | Stephen R Sharp, Celik Ozyildirim, David W Mokarem |
| 8/16/2014 | August 2014 | Cost Analysis on the Reuse of Concrete Residuals | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/cost-analysis-on-the-reuse-of-concrete-residuals/ | Demolition, Wastes, Benefit cost analysis, Diamond grinding, Best practices, Sustainable development, Concrete, | Concrete hydrodemolition and diamond grinding/grooving operations performed for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) generate large amounts of concrete residuals. Currently these residuals can be classified by the North Carolina Department of Water Resources (NCDWR) as Class A Residuals and are treated as ÛÏinert debrisÛ thus allowing them to be reused instead of being disposed at Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) sites. A benefit-cost analysis is needed in order to investigate potential savings from other alternative options to disposal such as the use of the material as liming amendments on NCDOT right of way highways, Class B residual sites and agricultural applications. These alternative methods of disposal need to satisfy current federal guidelines and state regulations and contractors disposing of the concrete residual materials need to be aware of these regulations as well. The objectives of this project will be to provide NCDOT with a Benefit-Cost Model (BCM) using Multi-Criteria Analysis that would enable the estimation of the costs of disposing and/or reusing concrete residual material that is produced by the hydrodemolition and diamond grinding/grooving processes. In addition to the BCM, a tool will be developed that can be used by contractors undertaking such projects to better estimate their costs and to allow them to compare alternatives for the disposal/reuse of the concrete residual material. The researchers will also develop a risk analysis for the comparison of several feasible alternatives to disposal of concrete residuals, a tool for contractors to use to estimate their anticipated costs for disposal or reuse of concrete particulars, and recommendations on acceptable methods for handling concrete residuals after monetary, environmental factors and risk have been considered. Recommendations for guidelines and/or specifications that could be provided to contractors for use on future NCDOT projects will be provided. As part of this work the researchers will use literature and case studies to identify the best practices for the disposal/reuse of the concrete residual material both from North Carolina and other states. By surveying Department of Transportation (DOT) personnel and contractors identify the attributes that contribute to the costs of the various alternatives. Using these attributes the BCM will be developed and eventually tested on NCDOT projects selected to serve as case studies. These case studies will allow the model to be refined to be accurately implemented on future NCDOT projects. This project will directly support the sustainability and safety initiatives mandated by the MAP-21 legislation. | Nicholas Tymvios, Tara L Cavalline, Christopher Albergo |
| 6/20/2011 | June 2011 | Cost-Effective Base Type and Thickness for Long-Life Concrete Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/cost-effective-base-type-and-thickness-for-long-life-concrete-pavements/ | base, drainable base, concrete pavement, drainage | Identify ways of optimizing the use of base layer materials and the design of base layer thicknesses for Portland cement concrete pavements. | Erol Tutumluer, Yuanjie Xiao, W. James Wilde |
| 8/6/2018 | August 2018 | Cotton-Derived Composite Materials for Climate Resilient Transportation Infrastructure | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/cotton-derived-composite-materials-for-climate-resilient-transportation-infrastructure/ | Cotton cellulose-based concrete; strength and durability; use of cotton fiber and its derivatives. | The authors aimed to develop high performance and economically facile natural fiber-reinforced transportation infrastructure. The main three tasks of this project include: (1) preparation of cotton cellulose-based concrete; (2) characterization of cotton cellulose-based concrete for strength and durability; and (3) investigation of possible enhancement of other pavement materials through the use of cotton fiber and its derivatives. The results showed that the tensile strength and modulus values of cotton-derived concrete composites after 28 days are comparable with the control specimens without added cotton. The composite materials prepared from cotton and its derivatives also showed high load endurance properties with high ductility values as compared to control samples, which are extremely crucial in climate resiliency. The data collected in this research also demonstrated the high load resistance and elastic deformation properties of other cotton cellulose-derived particulate composites such as flowable fluids, and geopolymers. Moreover, the addition of raw cotton to highly plastic swelling clay significantly reduced the swell potential. Overall, using renewable natural fibers, mainly cotton and its derivatives, the authors demonstrated that the properties of conventional construction infrastructure can be adapted to climate change. Therefore, the results of this project are extremely promising. Importantly, the simplicity of the preparation method and the relative abundance and low cost of cotton fibers make this technology an attractive approach worthy of being further investigated. | Noureddine Abidi, Priyantha W Jayawickrama, Rohan S Dassanayake, Manil Hettiwatte |
| 6/1/2018 | June 2018 | Crushed Hydraulic Cement Concrete Adjacent to Underdrains | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/crushed-hydraulic-cement-concrete-adjacent-to-underdrains/ | Blending; Cement content; Crushed aggregates; Drainage structures; Field studies; Geotextiles; Hydraulic cement; Subdrains; Validation | The objectives of this field study are as follows: (1) to confirm the validity under field conditions of Crushed Hydraulic Cement Concrete (CHCC) behavior (fines migrate and tufa precipitates but geotextile continues to function as a filter and does not prevent water from flowing through) observed in the laboratory in a prior study; (2) to develop a threshold percentage for the blending of CHCC with virgin aggregate, and (3) to provide recommendations to Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to generate specifications to allow the use of CHCC/virgin aggregate blends as unbound aggregate when geotextile is present in the drainage system. | Burak Tanyu |
| 11/1/2018 | November 2018 | Curing Concrete Paving Mixtures | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/curing-concrete-paving-mixtures/ | Binders; Concrete curing; Concrete pavements; Curing agents; Curing and setting agents; Hydration; Mixtures; Pavements | Proper curing of a newly placed concrete pavement is an essential step to ensure that the concrete as designed, batched, and placed reaches its full potential. Improper curing can result in inadequate hydration and reduced concrete strength and can negatively affect the near surface concrete properties including increased permeability, decreased wear resistance, and increased risk of plastic shrinkage cracking.This Tech Brief focuses specifically on approaches commonly used for curing cast-in-place concrete pavements. The most common method is the application of membrane-forming curing compounds, although fogging, plastic sheets, wetted materials, and insulated blankets may also be used depending on the type of project and the ambient conditions during and after placement. Also discussed briefly is internal curing using prewetted lightweight aggregate. In the context of this Tech Brief, two curing steps are considered: 1) initial curing applied during or immediately after the concrete is placed under less-than-favorable conditions, and 2) conventional curing applied once the concrete has undergone initial set. | Tom Van Dam |
| 5/23/2017 | May 2017 | Data Collection for Local Calibration of the AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design Performance Models for Mississippi | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/data-collection-for-local-calibration-of-the-aashtoware-pavement-me-design-performance-models-for-mississippi/ | Calibration; Data collection; Mechanistic design; Pavement performance; Test sections; AASHTOWare (Software) | The Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) method for designing pavement structures utilizes mechanistic materials properties combined with other inputs to predict pavement performance using user inputs. Pavement performance models are used for this prediction of pavement performance. The pavement performance models are based upon national predictive models that are likely not applicable to Mississippi. This research project is designed to provide the required information for the calibration of these performance models for Mississippi materials and conditions. A number of test pavement sections will be visited, evaluated, sampled, and tested. Following these activities site reports will be prepared for each individual site that provides the information required for this calibration of the pavement performance models to local conditions. | Allen Cooley |
| 7/1/2015 | July 2015 | Design and Evaluation of Modified Centerline Rumble Strips | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/design-and-evaluation-of-modified-centerline-rumble-strips/ | Rumble strips, Center lines, Head on collisions, Fatigue (Physiological condition), Pavement performance, Deterioration, Field tests | Centerline rumble strips are primarily installed on the centerline of undivided two-lane and two-way roadways to alert drivers who are moving out of their intended travel lane. The main purpose of the centerline rumble strips is to reduce cross-over crashes such as head-on crashes, opposite-direction sideswipe crashes, and front-to-side crashes, which are usually caused by inattentive, distracted, drowsy, or fatigued drivers. Despite the safety benefit, several pavement performance concerns associated with the centerline rumble strips have been reported (Torbic 2009). In particular, the centerline rumble strips milled over or adjacent to the centerline joint (even if it is hardly distinguishable), which is a damage-sensitive region of pavement, can increase or accelerate deterioration and degradation of the pavement structure. It also requires more maintenance and attention due to potential safety concerns. To reduce pavement damage, the centerline rumble strips design has been modified from a single strip over the centerline joint to dual strips straddling the joint in our state. The modified design could decrease pavement damage; however, there is still a pressing need to improve the centerline rumble strips design. To maximize the safety benefits of the centerline rumble strips and minimize pavement damage, a series of research activities needs to be performed. Firstly, configurations and dimensions of the centerline rumble strips built or tested by other states need to be collected. Surveying the corresponding lane widths required or suggested by other Departments of Transportation (DOTs) is also necessary. This will result in findings that can be used to improve the current dual rumble strips so as to satisfy expected structural performance as well as roadway safety requirements. Then, the proposed centerline rumble strips design will be evaluated and compared with the current design through structural model simulations and actual field tests. With the limited time and scope of this stage, this proposal primarily intends to first, collect data and practices from other states in order to recommend modifications to our current rumble strip design, and second, evaluate the recommended design through model simulations that compare the newly proposed design with current rumble strip design practices. Field test evaluation of the modified design can then be planned in a follow-up research effort. | Yong-Rak Kim, Taesun You, Laurence R Rilett |
| 7/1/2016 | July 2016 | Design and Performance of Cost-Effective Ultra High Performance Concrete for Bridge Deck Overlays | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/design-and-performance-of-cost-effective-ultra-high-performance-concrete-for-bridge-deck-overlays/ | Bridge decks; Concrete overlays; Overlays (Pavements); Pavement design; Pavement performance; Service life; Ultra high performance concrete; Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; Materials | The main objective of this research was to develop a cost-effective ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) for bonded bridge deck overlays. The high durability and mechanical properties of such repair material can offer shorter traffic closures and prolong the service life of the bridge deck. The UHPC was optimized using supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), proper combinations of sands, and adequate selection of fiber types and contents. . Early-age and long-term deformation caused by concrete, humidity and temperature gradients, as well as cracking and delamination were monitored over time. Test results indicate that there was no surface cracking or delamination in UHPC overlays after more than 200 d of casting. After laboratory investigations, a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) was determined for the selected concrete mixtures with different mixture compositions and performance characteristics. Results indicate that, based on both deterministic and probabilistic results, UHPC overlay with minimum 25 mm (1 in.) thickness is a more cost-effective option compared with other commonly used materials, such as latex-modified concrete and conventional bonded concrete overlays. | Kamal H Khayat, Mahdi Valipour |
| 2/26/2010 | February 2010 | Design Guides/Sustainability (SI-09-41) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/design-guides-sustainability-si-09-41/ | Sustainable development, Handbooks, Highways, Decision making, Transportation professionals, Education and training methods | This project will develop a sustainable highway framework that will culminate and be packaged into a Sustainable Highways Sourcebook. The Sustainable Highways Sourcebook will contain the sustainable highways framework as the decision analysis tool and will contain a series of educational and resource materials that will allow for an understanding of what a sustainable highway can be an how to implement a sustainable highway or street through planning development design materials choice and implementation. These products will be aimed at transportation professionals decision makers various stakeholders and the public. | CH2M Hill |
| 12/1/2017 | December 2017 | Design of a 3-D Magnetic Mapping System to Locate Reinforcing Steel in Concrete Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/design-of-a-3-d-magnetic-mapping-system-to-locate-reinforcing-steel-in-concrete-pavements/ | Concrete pavements; Field tests; Mapping; Mathematical models; Reinforcing steel; Sensors; Spatial analysis; System design; Tomography | This report outlines the design, fabrication, and testing of a 3-D magnetic mapping system used to locate reinforcing steel in concrete pavements developed at Kansas State University (KSU) in 2006. The magnetic sensing functionality is based on the principles of magnetic tomography which use time-varying magnetic fields to induce magnetic returns from nearby ferrous objects. The purpose of this device is to provide a process for inspecting the depth and orientation of embedded steel bars. | Nathanael W Holle |
| 7/1/2016 | July 2016 | Design of Ultra High Performance Concrete for Thin Overlays | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/design-of-ultra-high-performance-concrete-for-thin-overlays/ | Fibers; Greenhouse gases; Overlays (Pavements); Pavement performance; Service life; Ultra high performance concrete | The main objective of this research is to develop a ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) as a reliable, economic, low carbon foot print and durable concrete overlay material that can offer shorter traffic closures due to faster construction and long-term service life. This project aims at maximizing the performance of a thin layer of pavement material by reaching to an optimized composition of SCMs and proper types and amounts of fibers. Quarterly Progress (Apr-Jun 2016): The Task Order was executed by Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) on July 8, 2016. Federal Regulations changed on June 30, 2016, which has caused a change in the F&A rate to go from 52.5% to 55%. This change will be documented via a letter that includes a new budget document. There will not be a formal supplemental agreement executed. | Kamal H Khayat, Mahdi Valipour |
| 9/1/2013 | September 2013 | Designing Quieter Pavement Surfaces | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/designing-quieter-pavement-surfaces/ | Pavement design, Quiet pavements, Asphalt concrete pavements, Tire/pavement noise, Pavement maintenance, Overlays (Pavements), Laboratory tests, Texture | This project outlines a work plan for the design and maintenance of quieter asphalt and concrete pavements. A literature review will determine the state of the art in designing quieter pavements and contributing factors. An extensive pavement-noise database will be compiled, comprising a variety of asphalt and concrete surfaces with corresponding noise measurements over time. The effect of different overlay asphalt mixtures will be evaluated for flexible pavements (both open and dense mixtures will be considered) and the effect of different surface treatments (such as diamond grinding) for rigid pavements. This database will be analyzed using statistical techniques and will focus on identifying all relevant design parameters influencing noise. Laboratory design procedures to evaluate noise will be developed and correlated against mixture design parameters for a range of different asphalt mixtures. Close proximity and far-field noise tests in the field on both asphalt and concrete pavements will be correlated against laboratory measures towards establishing laboratory test procedures. Following these tasks, a set of preliminary guidelines will be developed to provide the districts with recommendations on and assistance in selecting appropriate candidate projects for low-noise surfaces and for designing surfaces to provide long-term noise reductions. A case study will be completed to recommend strategies for addressing noise complaints in an urban setting. In addition, a number of new and existing pavements across Texas will be monitored. Results from the case study and field tests will be used to validate and refine the District guidelines. | Jorge A Prozzi |
| 6/3/2016 | June 2016 | Determining Optimum Air-Void Spacing Requirement for a Given Concrete Mixture Design Using Poromechanics | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/determining-optimum-air-void-spacing-requirement-for-a-given-concrete-mixture-design-using-poromechanics/ | Air voids; Concrete; Freeze thaw durability; Mix design; Spacing; Frost resistance; Poroelasticity; Poromechanical behavior | The frost resistance of concrete is a function of the concrete constituent properties, entrained air-void system parameters and environmental exposure history. However, only a single maximum value for the void spacing factor is specified for all types of concrete by code writing bodies for successful protection against freezing damage. The advent and utilisation of new materials over the recent years warrant reevaluation of the validity of this single pass/fail criterion established more than 50 years ago. Here, a poromechanical model, capable of incorporating concrete constituent properties, environmental exposure and air-void spacing factor, has been used to determine the role of various concrete constituents and air-void system on the damage propensity of concrete exposed to freezing temperatures. It is found that a maximum threshold of acceptance, for instance a 0.2 mm spacing factor, may not be adequate for all concrete mixture designs subject to various cooling conditions. The model also suggests that concrete with low-porosity, low-permeability mortar matrix, a characteristic property of mortar containing supplementary cementitious materials and/or low water to cement ratio, can perform satisfactorily under freezing temperatures even with a spacing factor greater than the recommended value. If utilised for design, this model will give more freedom to practitioners in ensuring concrete durability by controlling multiple factors including the concrete mixture components and proportions rather than just satisfying a single pass/fail criterion for void spacing factor for all concrete mixtures. | Syeda Rahman, Zachary Grasley |
| 8/15/2015 | August 2015 | Determining Optimum Thickness for Long-Life Concrete Pavement in Ohio | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/determining-optimum-thickness-for-long-life-concrete-pavement-in-ohio/ | Concrete pavements, Service life, Thickness, Pavement performance, Bridge decks, Failure | The main objective of this study is to provide guidance on the selection of concrete slab thickness required to achieve long term performance considering the effect of slab dimensions, concrete slab support, and climatic conditions on critical stresses. The study will include proposed changes to the design, construction, and material procedures/specifications that, if adopted and implemented, will significantly increase portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement lifetimes and reduce maintenance costs. Although concrete pavement has shown its evidence for a long last time in service, sometimes it still experiences functional failure and premature failure. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has conducted extensive research focused on improving concrete pavement performance. The rigid pavement design procedure in the 1993 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guide for the Design of Pavement Structures, in which a slab thickness can be selected and will result a great improvement in concrete terminal serviceability, is a good example of improving concrete pavement performance. However, other factors also play a major role in concrete pavement performance. | Shad Sargand, Anwer Al-Jhayyish, Issam Khoury, Roger Green |
| 6/1/2015 | June 2015 | Developing a Comprehensive Pavement Condition Evaluation System for Rigid Pavements in Georgia | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/developing-a-comprehensive-pavement-condition-evaluation-system-for-rigid-pavements-in-georgia/ | Jointed plain concrete pavement; JPCP; Continuously reinforced concrete pavement; CRCP; Faultmeter; Faulting measurement | The objective of this project is to develop standardized pavement condition evaluation systems for Georgia’s rigid pavements, including continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) and jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP). | Yichang Tsai, Yi-Ching Wu |
| 8/1/2014 | August 2014 | Developing a Low Shrinkage, High Creep Concrete for Infrastructure Repair | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/developing-a-low-shrinkage,-high-creep-concrete-for-infrastructure-repair.--/ | Adhesion; Admixtures; Compressive strength; Creep; Durability; Repairing; Shrinkage; Tensile strength | This project will focus on optimizing time dependent strains for concrete repair. Initial focus will be on developing laboratory concrete mixtures for repairs using pre-saturated lightweight aggregate to take advantage of internal curing because of its documented reduced shrinkage. Furthermore, mineral and chemical admixtures will be investigated to enhance concrete properties such as: high early strength, creep, shrinkage, tensile strength and adhesion. Testing will include compressive and tensile creep, shrinkage, and strength and durability testing, all following the available ASTM standard. Additionally, small scale mock repairs will be produced with similar geometry to those in the field and monitored at the Utah State University Materials Lab, and finite element models will be developed to investigate additional simulated repair performance based on the materials testing. Finally, upon selecting candidate field mixtures and candidate field repairs, in-service monitoring will be performed on Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) projects with control and developed admixtures. | Ivan Quezada, Marc Maguire, Robert J Thomas |
| 10/8/2013 | October 2013 | Developing Improved Opportunities for the Recycle and Reuse of Materials in Road Bridge and Construction Projects | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/developing-improved-opportunities-for-the-recycle-and-reuse-of-materials-in-road-bridge-and-construction-projects/ | Wastes, Recycled materials, Road construction, Bridge construction, Opportunities, Improvements | The objective of this project is to develop opportunities to improve the recycling and reuse of waste materials for road and bridge construction projects. This study is not about conducting laboratory materials testing. This study focuses on learning what factors influence the participation of recyclers and materials producers in increasing the use of recycled materials for road and bridge construction. | Ralph Ellis, Duzgun Agdas, Kevin Frost |
| 04/30/24 | April 2024 | Developing Performance Specification for High Performance Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/developing-performance-specification-for-high-performance-concrete/ | Field studies, High performance concrete (HPC), Laboratory studies, Mechanical properties, Multiple criteria decision making, Performance based specifications, Physical properties | The main objective of this study is to develop performance specification for high performance concrete in order to ensure high performance in terms of durability. The research team will conduct a combination of both field investigation and laboratory study in order to achieve this objective. The research team will use both conventional and innovative new lab testing methods to determine the key performance characteristics (i.e., prescribing acceptable limits of permeability, shrinkage, surface resistivity, and chloride ingress - basis for developing performance specification) followed by developing specific prescriptive requirements in order to formulate wide varieties of prescriptive mixes that can meet the durability requirements matching with different exposure conditions. A combined approach of relating mix design parameters, lab based durability test results, mechanical properties, structural dimensions, climatic conditions, and / exposure conditions through suitable service life prediction model and predicting will be used to ensure long term durability (at least 75 years) for the HPCs in typical aggressive environments. This will lead to develop performance- and prescriptive-based concrete specifications for HPC. This could potentially encourage contractors to effectively use these fine-tuned prescriptive HPC mixtures without the need of conducing additional long duration testing and ensure making long lasting durable concrete and save tax payers dollars. | Anol Mukhopadhyay, Tom Schwerdt, Tiki Smith, Andy Naranjo, Jason Tucker, Rachel Cano, Christopher Miller, Lianxiang Du, Kevin Moyer |
| 4/8/2016 | April 2016 | Developing Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Mix Designs for Arizona Bridge Element Connections | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/developing-ultra-high-performance-concrete-mix-designs-for-arizona-bridge-element-connections/ | Admixtures; Bridge construction; Curing and setting agents; Ductility; Durability; Mix design; Strength of materials; Ultra high performance concrete | The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is looking to develop a successful, non-proprietary formula for mixing ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). It wishes to have such material available for Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) bridge closure pours due to its durability, ductility, strength, and fast set-up, curing, and strength gain. ADOT wishes to join Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and other organizations to develop non-proprietary, and therefore more economical, UHPC mixtures that stand to accelerate its bridge projects. | Barzin Mobasher |
| 7/1/2014 | July 2014 | Development and Evaluation of Portable Device for Measuring Curling and Warping in Concrete Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-and-evaluation-of-portable-device-for-measuring-curling-and-warping-in-concrete-pavements/ | Concrete pavements, Curling, Traffic loads, Fatigue (Mechanics), Performance measurement, Pavement performance, Measurement, Quality assurance, Quality control | The temperature and moisture variations across the depth of the Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements result in a unique deflection behavior that has been recognized as curling and warping of the pavements since mid-1920. The repeated slab curvature changes due to curling and warping, when combined with traffic loading, can accelerate fatigue failures including top-down and bottom-up transverse, longitudinal, and corner cracking. It is of paramount importance to measure the actual magnitude of curling and warping taking place in concrete pavements in order to develop performance measures and critical threshold magnitudes as well as gain a better understanding of their relationship to diurnal and seasonal temperature/moisture changes and long-term pavement performance. Although several approaches and devices have been proposed for measuring curling and warping for in-service concrete pavements, they have certain limitations that inhibit their use for routine inspection for quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) of concrete pavements. The primary objective of the proposed research is to develop an economical and simple device for measuring curling and warping in concrete pavements with accuracy comparable to or better than the existing methodologies. To meet this objective, the proposed curling measurement device will be portable and easy to operate with just one person, and will provide reliable measurements. The first-generation crude prototype of the proposed device has already been developed to support our ongoing research efforts at Iowa State University (ISU), focusing on investigating the impact of curling and warping on concrete pavements. This Midwest Transportation Center (MTC) proposal focuses on development of a standardized curling and warping measurement device and test procedure for routine use by improving the first generation crude prototype through technical requirements identified from both the literature and field evaluations. | Halil Ceylan, Robert F Steffes, Kasthurirangan Gopalakrishnan, Sunghwan Kim, Shuo Yang, Kailin Zhuang |
| 9/1/2015 | September 2015 | Development of a Numerical Simulation Tool for Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-a-numerical-simulation-tool-for-continuously-reinforced-concrete-pavements/ | Continuously reinforced concrete pavements; Finite element method; Foundations; Geometric configurations and shapes; Mechanistic-empirical pavement design; Pavement joints; Reinforcing steel; Simulation; Temperature gradients; Traffic loads | The accurate modeling of the main features of continuously-reinforced concrete pavements (CRCP) is of primary importance in a mechanistic-empirical pavement design procedure. The use of the finite element (FE) method as a comprehensive tool for modeling the responses of rigid pavements, CRCP in particular, has been limited because of the complexity of calculations in modeling material nonlinear behaviors, which are difficult to describe mathematically and computationally. Significant amount of research has been conducted to improve the design of CRCPs under traffic, environmental, and thermal loads. To develop a reliable model that better represents the behavior of CRCP, a clear understanding of the design features that impact CRCP responses is essential. Researchers from the University of Texas at El Paso developed NYSLAB to analyze the response of comprehensively jointed concrete pavements (JCPs) under different geometric configurations, foundation models, temperature gradient profiles and traffic loads. | Cesar Carrasco, Soheil Nazarian, Nancy Aguirre |
| 1/8/2019 | January 2019 | Development of a QC/QA Process for Caltrans Automated Pavement Condition Survey Data | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-a-qc-qa-process-for-caltrans-automated-pavement-condition-survey-data/ | Condition surveys; Data quality; Pavement management systems; Quality assurance; Quality control | The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) awarded a contractor a three-year contract to collect, analyze, and report pavement condition of the state highway system for 2018 and 2019 using automated pavement condition survey (APCS). The contract covers 12 Caltrans districts with roughly 52,000 lane miles of on-system roadways and 6,000 lane miles of off-system roadways. Before investing significant resources on statewide APCS data collection, Caltrans and the contractor initiated a pilot study. The purpose is to establish a workable process for data quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA), making sure the data collected closely reflect the field condition. The pilot study was conducted on selected routes in Caltrans District 12. | Haiping Zhou, Zhongren Wang, Robert Sherrick, Scott Mathison |
| 9/5/2013 | September 2013 | Development of an Overlay Design Procedure for Composite Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-an-overlay-design-procedure-for-composite-pavements/ | Pavement design, Composite pavements, Concrete overlays, Asphalt concrete, Thickness, Traffic loads, Falling weight deflectometers, Portland cement concrete, | A majority of Ohio Department of Transportation's (ODOT's) 4-lane and interstate highways are composite pavement; with the vast majority being Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement overlaid with asphalt concrete (AC). Each year, ODOT rehabilitates several hundred miles of existing AC/PCC pavements by additional overlay. It is important to have an effective means to evaluate the existing AC/PCC pavements and to design the overlay thickness required to carry anticipated future traffic loading. The pavement overlay thickness design procedure currently exercised by ODOT works well for both flexible and rigid pavements, but it tends to produce overly conservative designs for composite pavements. For composite pavements with relatively thick asphalt overlays, the current design procedure consistently recommends very high overlay thickness that is deemed structurally unnecessary. Research is needed to evaluate and verify the assumptions used for composite pavements in the current overlay design procedure and provide modifications as needed or to develop a new deflection based overlay design procedure for composite pavements. The proposed study investigates the possible cause(s) and finds solution(s) to address the problem within the composite overlay design procedure and to verify and validate the revised procedure through actual pavements. The goals and objectives of this project are to: (1) develop and validate a Falling Weight Deflectometer ÛÜ(FWD) deflection-based overlay design procedure for composite pavements and incorporate it into the most current version of ODOT's overall design software; and (2) provide ODOT with the ability to mechanistically determine the effective thickness of the PCC slab portion of a composite pavement for use in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' equation for the design of unbonded concrete overlays. | Liangbo Hu, Eddie Chou |
| 1/18/2017 | January 2017 | Development of Calcined Clays as Pozzolanic Additions in Portland Cement Concrete Mixtures | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-calcined-clays-as-pozzolanic-additions-in-portland-cement-concrete-mixtures/ | Clay soils; Compressive strength; Diffraction; Mortar; Portland cement; Pozzolanic action | The objectives of this research are to (1) evaluate the quality of various clay sources available in Florida in terms of their chemical and mineralogical composition and amorphous content through the use of x-ray fluorescence and x-ray diffraction techniques; (2) explore different calcination temperatures and accompanying phase transformation for various clay samples through the use of x-ray diffraction or other techniques; (3) evaluate the reactivity of calcined pozzolanic materials in combination with ordinary Portland cement through the use of mortar compressive strength. | A Zayed, N Shanahan, A Sedaghat, Y Stetsko, B Lorentz |
| 5/18/2018 | May 2018 | Development of Cost-Effective Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) for Colorado's Sustainable Infrastructure | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-cost-effective-ultra-high-performance-concrete-(uhpc)-for-colorado?s-sustainable-infrastructure/ | Admixtures; Bridge construction; Compressive strength; Cost effectiveness; Infrastructure; Silica; Sustainable development; Ultra high performance concrete | This report presents the development of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) using locally available materials that reduce construction costs compared with commercial products. With the aim of achieving a specified compressive strength of 20 ksi, a UHPC mixture is formulated. The implications of various constituent types are examined with an emphasis on silica compounds (silica fume, silica powder, silica sand, finer silica sand, pyrogenic silica, and precipitated silica), including steel and polypropylene fibers. Bond tests are conducted to evaluate the development length of the UHPC. Cost analysis shows that the prototype UHPC is up to 74% less expensive than commercial products. | Yail Jimmy Kim |
| 7/17/2017 | July 2017 | Development of High Performance Rapid Patching Materials for Pavement Repair | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-high-performance-rapid-patching-materials-for-pavement-repair/ | Alkali silica reactions; Asphalt mixtures; Cracking; Deterioration; Freeze thaw durability; Patching; Pavement distress | Concrete pavement distresses resulting from freeze/thaw (F/T) deterioration, alkali-silica reaction (ASR), and chemical attacks may cause different forms of deterioration, including scaling, cracking, breaking, chipping, and fraying. Concrete pavements exhibiting severe distresses such as transverse cracks, shattered slabs, and corner breaks require patching are commonly observed in concrete pavement in Nebraska. Due to the opening requirement of the pavement to traffic after the placing of repair concrete, it is essential to achieve high early strength. To ensure high early strength, the current patching mix (i.e., PR in the Nebraska Department of Roads [NDOR] specification 1002.02) requires a minimum cement content of 752 or 799pcy for PR1 and PR3 mixes respectively. Besides the high associated cost, the high cement content tends to result in a less stable mix with a high drying shrinkage, high autogenous shrinkage, high heat of hydration and cracking potential. The mixes also exclude the use of fly ash, which makes it vulnerable to various deteriorations, particularly ASR. In order to reduce the material cost and premature failures of pavement repair, patching materials that develops early strength and is durable is needed. This study is to improve the current rapid patching materials. The research team will particularly focus on mix design in terms of aggregate gradation, cement type and content, water-to-cement ratio (w/c), and incorporation of proper chemical admixtures to achieve sufficient early-age strength that is comparable to the current NDOR PR mixes, yet more durable and resist to deteriorations such as ASR. | Jiong Hu, Yong-Rak Kim |
| 4/30/2019 | April 2019 | Development of Performance Curves for Whitetopping in Minnesota | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-performance-curves-for-whitetopping-in-minnesota/ | Asphalt pavements; Condition surveys; Mathematical prediction; Pavement maintenance; Pavement management systems; Pavement performance; Performance measurement; Rehabilitation (Maintenance); Whitetopping | Whitetoppings, now commonly referred to as bonded concrete overlays on asphalt (BCOA), are growing in popularity as an option for rehabilitating existing asphalt pavements. It was the objective of this study to develop predictive performance models, based on measured performance of existing whitetopping projects in Minnesota, which will eventually be adopted into MnDOT’s pavement management project selection process. In this project, 26 whitetopping projects in service throughout Minnesota were examined to determine their historical performance to date. Each of the projects were visited periodically from 2015 to 2018 to gather supplemental performance data. Based on this and other historical data, performance curves were developed to highlight the current trends in Minnesota whitetopping performance in terms of MnDOT pavement index parameters. An analysis of the effect of specific design parameters on performance was also carried out. Finally, two predictive performance models, based on only International Roughness Index (IRI), were developed for undoweled whitetoppings in Minnesota. | Thomas Burnham, Bernard Izevbekhai, Joseph Gallagher, Santiago Huerta |
| 2/1/2019 | February 2019 | Development of Predictive Performance Models and Calibration of Mechanistic Empirical Design Method for Optimized Transportation Infrastructure Management, Considering Life-Cycle Costs and Environmental Impacts | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-predictive-performance-models-and-calibration-of-mechanistic-empirical-design-method-for-optimized-transportation-infrastructure-management,-considering-life-cycle-costs-and-environmental-impacts/ | Calibration;ÿData analysis;ÿEnvironmental impacts; ÿInfrastructure;ÿLife cycle costing; ÿMathematical models;ÿ Mathematical prediction;ÿMechanistic-empirical pavement design;ÿOptimization; Pavement cracking; ÿPavement management systems; ÿPavement performance;ÿRigid pavements | The United States spends $150 billion per year to maintain its vast transportation network of 4.11-million lane-miles of roads. Vehicles that drive along these roads consume 213 billion gallons of fuel per year. Due to such staggering financial and environmental costs, it is important for transportation planners to optimize current infrastructure. In California, pavement maintenance is extremely costly. Effective pavement management systems take into account cracking and roughness. The quality of these features directly impacts vehicle fuel consumption. This research has two main objectives: (1) Developing predictive performance models needed for optimized network level management of rigid transportation infrastructure. These performance models are developed by conducting big data analysis of field data collected from Caltrans Pavement Management System. (2) Calibrating Mechanistic-Empirical Design Guide for rigid pavements in California and developing models for longitudinal cracking specific to California and few other states. | Ashkan Saboori, John Harvey |
| 9/1/2017 | September 2017 | Development of Rational CPCD Pavement Design Procedures | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-rational-cpcd-pavement-design-procedures/ | Pavement design | The usage of CPCD (Concrete Pavement Contraction Design) has been quite limited in Texas since the TxDOT policy of utilizing CRCP was enacted in 2010. That policy was based on rather poor performance of CPCD built on poor slab support and/or without dowels. The new requirement of CoTE of concrete for CRCP will undoubtedly increase the use of CPCD in Texas. The current TxDOT pavement design method for CPCD is based on the method in the AASHTO 93 Pavement Design Guide, which was developed from the findings in the AASHO Road Test. However, the pavement structures evaluated in the AASHO Road Test are quite different from those currently in use in Texas. Accordingly, the distress types and their mechanisms observed in the AASHO Road Test are quite different from those observed in Texas, which implies that the current TxDOT pavement design method for CPCD may not be the most accurate and efficient one to be used in Texas. An improved CPCD design procedure is needed that accurately reflects the pavement behavior and performance in Texas. An improved procedure will result in more realistic and optimized pavement structures. This design procedure could be used for the development of catalog design, if TxDOT deems desirable. | Moon Won |
| 3/1/2013 | March 2013 | Development of Specifications for Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) for Use in Bridge Deck Overlays | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-specifications-for-engineered-cementitious-composites-(ecc)-for-use-in-bridge-deck-overlays/ | ECC | This research will investigate multiple sources for making ECC, examine the material properties and then investigate its production and performance on a large scale. Further, specifications for designing, producing, placing, and finishing ECC material for bridge deck overlay in Nevada will be developed. | Elie Y Hajj, David H Sanders, Nicholas D Weitzel |
| 9/23/2016 | September 2016 | Development of Specifications for High-Performance Fiber Concrete for Nevada (NDOT 366-16-803) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-specifications-for-high-performance-fiber-concrete-for-nevada-(ndot-366-16-803)/ | Bridge decks; Bridge design; Economic efficiency; Fiber reinforced concrete; High performance concrete; Specifications | Bridge decks are the weakest link among the various bridge components, lasting approximately 30 years. According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) specifications, a bridge deck should be expected to last for 75 years. Bridge decks are exposed to excessive traffic and chloride elements. The chloride elements can seep through cracks within the bridge decks, causing corrosion in the steel. High durability concrete has been used to improve the serviceability of structures. | Jiong Hu |
| 3/31/2015 | March 2015 | Development of Standard Operating Procedure for Analysis of Ammonia Concentrations in Coal Fly Ash | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-standard-operating-procedure-for-analysis-of-ammonia-concentrations-in-coal-fly-ash/ | Fly ash, Ammonia, Laboratory tests, Standard operating procedures, Field tests, Evaluation and assessment, State of the practice, Florida | The objectives of this project include conducting a detailed assessment of the current practices used for ammonia analysis in coal fly ash, necessary side-by-side laboratory testing of AFA samples using current methodologies, examining new analytical procedures, developing a draft standard operating procedure, conducting field tests of the standard operating procedure in cooperation with likely end-users, and finalizing the standard operating procedure based on the stakeholder and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) feedback. | Timothy Townsend, John Schert, Tim Vinson |
| 12/31/15 | December 2015 | Documentation of INDOT’s Experience with the Construction of Bridge Deck’s Containing Internal Curing in 2013 | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/documentation-of-the-construction-of-indot's-experience-with-the-bridge-deck's-containing-internal-curing-in-2013/ | Bridge construction, Bridge decks | This project outlines work to document the construction of four internally cured bridge decks during the summer of 2013. The project will include documentation, measurement of fresh concrete properties, collection of samples for long-term testing including diffusion samples as well as one series of frames to measure cracking. | Jason Weiss |
| 4/28/2017 | April 2017 | Durability Analysis of Recycled Asphalt Pavement as Partial Coarse Aggregate Replacement in a High-Strength Concrete Mixture | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/durability-analysis-of-recycled-asphalt-pavement-as-partial-coarse-aggregate-replacement-in-a-high-strength-concrete-mixture/ | Admixtures; Coarse aggregates; Durability tests; Freeze thaw durability; High strength concrete; Permeability; Reclaimed asphalt pavements; Recycled materials; Thermal expansion | The strength reduction associated with the replacement of the virgin coarse aggregate in concrete with recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) limits the use of the RAP concrete to nonstructural applications. Recent research has suggested that RAP concrete might retain sufficient strength for structural applications if high-strength concrete mixture designs were used. Before these high-strength RAP concrete mixtures can be used in transportation infrastructure applications, their durability must be proven. This study evaluated the chloride permeability, the freeze-thaw durability, and the coefficient of thermal expansion of high-strength RAP concrete mixtures. The results indicated that the chloride permeability of the high-strength concrete, as measured by the surface resistivity, was unaffected by the replacement of up to 50% of virgin coarse aggregate with RAP. Furthermore, the freeze-thaw durability of high-strength RAP concrete was improved over high-strength concrete with 100% virgin coarse aggregate. The optimal RAP fraction in terms of the freeze/thaw durability was 35% by mass. Finally, the coefficient of thermal expansion was minimally affected by the replacement of up to 50% of virgin coarse aggregate with RAP. On the basis of these results, the durability of high-strength concrete with RAP coarse aggregate was deemed sufficient for transportation infrastructure applications. | R J Thomas, Andrew J Fellows; Andrew D Sorensen |
| 8/8/2018 | August 2018 | Durability of Cementitious Systems Incorporating Calcined Low-Grade Kaolin Clays | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/durability-of-cementitious-systems-incorporating-calcined-low-grade-kaolin-clays/ | Cement; Chemical properties; Durability; Kaolin; Physical properties; Service life; | The project aims to (1) Investigate the effects of the chemical and physical characteristics, and of the replacement levels of calcined low-grade kaolin on strength evolution in cementitious systems, (2) Establish the impact of low-grade kaolin characteristics and substitution levels on the durability of cementitious systems exposed to aggressive conditions during service life. | Abla Zayed |
| 02/01/15 | January 2015 | Durability, Ductility, and Bond Strength of Portland Cement Concrete with Recycled Asphalt Pavement as Partial Replacement for Coarse Aggregate | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/durability,-ductility,-and-bond-strength-of-portland-cement-concrete-with-recycled-asphalt-pavement-as-partial-replacement-for-coarse-aggregate/ | Recycled materials, Coarse aggregates, Portland cement concrete, Asphalt mixtures, Admixtures, Durability tests, Ductility, | This research project has three main objectives. First, to determine the durability of the recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) mixture and compare the results to those obtained for normal concrete mixes. Second, to determine the ductility of the RAP mixture and compare the results to those obtained for normal concrete mixes. Third, to determine the bond strength between the RAP mixture and reinforcing steel and compare the results to those obtained for normal concrete mixes. | Andrew Sorensen |
| 07/31/19 | July 2019 | Durable and Sustainable Concrete through Performance-Engineered Concrete Mixtures | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/durable-and-sustainable-concrete-through-performance-engineered-concrete-mixtures/ | Admixtures; Compressive strength; Concrete pavements; Durability; Highway maintenance; Infrastructure; Limestone; Mix design; Quality assurance; Quality control; Sustainable development | As funds to construct, maintain, and preserve our highway infrastructure become increasingly stretched, it is imperative that the criteria for selection of concrete mixtures and acceptance of placed concrete reliably ensure durability. Over the past several decades, research has led to new understanding of deterioration mechanisms, advancements in concrete mixture design, and better field and laboratory tests to aid in quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC). American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) PP 84, “Standard Practice for Developing Performance Engineered Concrete Mixtures” provides guidance to agencies aiming to improve the durability, economy, and sustainability of their infrastructure using both prescriptive and performance specification provisions and emerging technologies. Although developed for pavement concrete mixtures, the approach outlined in AASHTO PP 84 can be extended to include specifications for performance-engineered concrete mixtures utilized for other infrastructure (bridges, lower grade uses, etc.) as well. The scope of work in this project supports an initial effort to move towards a specification for performance-engineered concrete mixtures by (1) utilizing existing data to identify areas in need of improvement, (2) targeting the establishment of performance-related criteria using several Performance-engineered concrete mixtures (PEM) QA/QC tests and approaches of interest to North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), and (3) providing a “roadmap,” outlining recommended tasks towards implementation of performance measures, performance goals, and QA/QC protocol in other areas. Existing data from previous concrete research projects for NCDOT were leveraged with new, targeted data to efficiently develop proposed specifications for three areas of interest to improve durability of future concrete infrastructure: surface resistivity, early age strength for opening to traffic, and shrinkage. Guidance for other performance and prescriptive (including water-cementitious ratio and paste content) is also presented for consideration. Suggested specification provisions developed as part of this project are suitable for use by NCDOT on several upcoming projects targeted as pilot projects for PEM research. Additional study to evaluate the performance of concrete mixtures that include the combination of both fly ash and portland limestone cement (PLC) was also performed. Findings of this work align with previous findings by the research team, indicating significant durability performance benefits in mixtures that contain the two materials. Performance improvements were particularly noted at the current allowable fly ash replacement (30%), which has been increased in recent years. The enhanced durability, sustainability and economy of these mixtures provides additional justification for use of PLC and higher fly ash contents. Findings of this study should allow NCDOT to specify and use of more durable, sustainable concrete mixtures in North Carolina highway infrastructure. Ultimately, paired with other efforts aligned with the national PEM initiative, findings this project should result in cost savings associated with construction costs, QA/QC costs, reduced maintenance costs, and extended life of concrete pavements and bridges. | Tara Cavalline |
| 9/15/2016 | September 2016 | Durable High Early Strength Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/durable-high-early-strength-concrete/ | Concrete bridges; Concrete pavements; High strength concrete; Mix design; Service life | The objective of this research project is to develop high early strength concrete mixture criteria or designs that can do the following: (1) satisfy current Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) minimum strengths for opening to traffic in 4 to 24 hours; and (2) provide a 20-year pavement or 50-year bridge service life. | Christopher Jones |
| 7/1/2018 | July 2018 | Early Detection of Near-Surface Void Defects in Concrete Pavement Using Drone-based Thermography and GPR Methods | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/early-detection-of-near-surface-void-defects-in-concrete-pavement-using-drone-based-thermography-and-gpr-methods/ | Air voids; Concrete curing; Concrete pavements; Drones; Flaw detection; Ground penetrating radar; Nondestructive tests; Quality control; Thermographs | Near-surface (i.e., less than 4 in deep) voids that are 1/2” or larger in diameter (in both horizontal and vertical directions) is a common consolidation issue during the construction of concrete pavements. This issue was observed by Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) in concrete pavements constructed by different contractors, on different roads (highways and local roads), and with different thicknesses (9-14 in). These voids can be caused by improper vibration, overly dry mix, and/or long wait time between concrete batches (Legg 1974). These large voids or concentrations of smaller voids can be detrimental to the durability and/or strength of the pavements (Freeman and Zollinger 2008). Being able to detect these voids at an early stage will enable NDOT to direct timely correction orders during the construction process. As a result, costlier repair and maintenance actions can be avoided. Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, including ground penetrating radar (GPR) and Thermography have been used in detecting concrete defects for a long time, including the detection of pavement delamination, deterioration, spalling and pumping issues (Sebest and Scullion 2005; Morcous and Sekpe 2010) with varying levels of success. However, very few reports were found on using these two NDT approaches to detect defects during the hydration time due to many constraints and challenges, including weak compression strength during the early hydration process for heavy inspection vehicles or equipment. The primary project goal is to develop a reliable and efficient early detection tool for near-surface voids and to enhance NDOT’s capacity of quality control during concrete pavement construction. More specifically, early detection means during the curing stage, 2 to 72 hours after the concrete pavement is casted in place. This will give NDOT field personnel sufficient time to request corrections before the contractors complete the job. | E Erdogmus, G Morcous, Zhigang Shen |
| 9/30/2013 | September 2013 | Early-Age Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Properties for Overlays | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/early-age-fiber-reinforced-concrete-properties-for-overlays/ | Asphalt concrete pavements; Concrete overlays; Cracking of asphalt concrete pavements; Fatigue limit; Fiber reinforced concrete; Finite element method; Pavement joints; Rehabilitation (Maintenance) | A common pavement rehabilitation technique for rutted or cracked hot - mixed asphalt concrete roadways is to mill the surface and then overlay with up to 6 inch es of a portland cement concrete (PCC) layer. More recent advancements in research has proven that a feasible top wearing surface can be made at this 2 inch (50 mm) thin layer if it is comprised of f iber reinforced c oncrete (FRC). FRC has increasingly being used in UTW overlays since it has been proven through experimental lab and field testing improve the fatigue life and reduce deflections of jointed concrete overlay slabs. Cracking and debonding of the overlay structure can initiate as a result of drying shrinkage, and temperature shrinkage, slab settlements, or external load. Temperature - induced curling and cracking has been researched many times and is currently recognized as one of the major failure mechanisms in concrete pavements. Slabs are designed to have joints cut at spacing sizes proportional to the thickness. These jo ints are cut in order to provide a specific location for thermal and humidity - induced cracking while also keeping net curling lift - off deflections to a minimum. It has experimentally been verified that with FRC overlays and pavements, not every joint crack s upon the first thermal cycle. Yet the few joints that do crack at early ages produce the lowest load transfer efficiency and widest crack widths at later ages. There are no known publications or research performed which has studied why or how the addition of fiber - reinforcement in a thin concrete overlay affects the joint cracking and slab curling. A full - scale test pavement of a 50 mm thick FRC overlay was constructed in July 2009, which has been subjected only to environmental loading since then.. This is a unique pavement section as well because it has no mid - panel slab cracking except in pre - placed constructed debonding zones. The cracking of joints was monitored at early ages between 3 and 20 days as well as climatic temperature data of the air and in 4 depths within the pavement structure. Existing temperature and joint opening models overpredict the actual crack widths measured from the field. The proposed research will attempt to improve prediction of crack width for thermally - loaded FRC pavements. The early - age properties of FRC as measured in this research will be utilized in a co hesive zone finite element analysis of the same The main objective of this research is to perform experimental tests to determine the hardened properties of fiber- reinforced concrete as they change with time at early-ages. These properties and their function with time can be implemented into finite element modeling to improve overlay prediction at early ages. | Amanda Bordelon, Min Ook Kim |
| 09/01/19 | September 2019 | Economical and Crack-Free High Performance Concrete with Adapted Rheology | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/economical-and-crack-free-high-performance-concrete-with-adapted-rheology/ | Crack-free; Early-age cracking; Eco-Crete; Packing density;Shrinkage mitigating Strategies, Supplementary cementitious materials; Structural performance; Life cycle assessment | The main objective of this study is to develop, characterize, and validate the performance of a new class of environmentally friendly, economical, and crack-free high-performance concrete referred to as Eco and crack-free HPC that is proportioned with high content of recycle materials. Two classes of Eco-HPC are designed for: (I) pavement (Eco-Pave-Crete); and (II) bridge infrastructure (Eco-Bridge-Crete). Eco-HPC mixtures were designed to have relatively low binder content up to 350 kg/m3 and develop high resistance to shrinkage and superior durability. | Kamal H Khayat, Iman Mehdipour, Hani Nassif, Zeeshan Ghanchi, Chaekuk Na, Kaan Ozbay, Jeffery S Volz |
| 5/25/2017 | May 2017 | Effect of Coarse Aggregate Type on Chloride Ion Penetration in Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/effect-of-coarse-aggregate-type-on-chloride-ion-penetration-in-concrete/ | Bridge decks; Chloride content; Chlorides; Coarse aggregates; Ions; Rapid Chloride Penetration Test; Bridges and other structures; Highways; Materials; Pavements; | Long-term durability and sustainability of crucial infrastructure systems such as bridges and pavements are of utmost importance for the economic health of any society. Understanding factors that affect long-term deterioration of reinforced concrete structures can help enhance durability and sustainability of these systems. This paper investigates the effect of the type of coarse aggregate used in concrete on chloride ions penetrability. Twelve coarse aggregate types of different geologic formations (sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic) were used to prepare fresh concrete in which silica fume and class C fly ash were used. All mix parameters including gradation and volumes of different aggregates were held constant in different mixes with the only variable being the aggregate type. The Rapid Chloride Penetration Tests were conducted on concrete specimens made with various aggregate types at ages of 28, 56, 91 and 365?days. Analysis of test results showed that the aggregate type as well as aggregate absorption rates have significant influence on the electrical charges passed through concrete, especially in early ages of concrete containing aggregates with sedimentary rock origin and relatively high absorption. These specimens exhibited the highest RCPT results indicating higher capacity to allow chloride ion penetration when compared to specimens with igneous and metamorphic rock aggregate of lower absorption values. This influence (discrepancy) diminishes with time for both aggregate type and absorption rates in terms of the magnitude of measured total charge passed. | Hani H Titi, Habib Tabatabai |
| 11/21/2018 | November 2018 | Effect of Curing Methods on Quality of Concrete Joints: Experimental and Modeling | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/effect-of-curing-methods-on-quality-of-concrete-joints:-experimental-and-modeling/ | Absorption; Concrete curing; Concrete pavements; Durability; Pavement joints; Three dimensional flow | Joint deterioration in concrete pavements is predominantly related to penetrability of concrete and environmental conditions. Saw-cutting as the last procedure in the construction sequence of concrete pavements may compromise the durability of joints due to insufficient curing and uncontrolled evaporation at an early age. Capillary absorption is considered fundamental to understanding the durability performance of porous building materials. Thus, the aim of this study is to develop an analytical model based on Katz-Thompson relationship to determine the absorption capacity of joints in concrete pavements according to an absorption test customized to the joint geometry of pavements. The experimental program involved absorption and mercury-intrusion porosimetry tests conducted on cores extracted from saw-cut concrete slabs with different curing scenarios. The absorption trends were modeled based on the unsaturated flow theory with three dimensional (3D) finite-element software. The results indicated that the unsaturated flow model reliably simulated fluid transport at joint locations in concrete with accurate predictions relative to experimental results. | M Tiznobaik, M T Bassouni |
| 12/1/2018 | December 2018 | Effect of Dowel Bar Arrangements on Performance of Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement (JPCP) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/effect-of-dowel-bar-arrangements-on-performance-of-jointed-plain-concrete-pavement-(jpcp)/ | Concrete pavements; Dowels (Fasteners); Finite element method; Load transfer; Longitudinal cracking; Pavement cracking; Pavement maintenance; Pavement performance; Spalling; Transverse cracking | A full-scale jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) with two different dowel bar arrangements, namely, standard and special method, was constructed and evaluated under actual traffic-environmental condition in Florida. For standard dowel bar arrangement, dowel bars spaced at 304.8 mm (12 in), while three dowel bars spaced at 304.8 mm (12 in) only within the wheel paths were installed for special dowel bar arrangement. Field performance evaluation was conducted in terms of longitudinal crack, transverse crack, corner crack, spalling, and load transfer efficiency (LTE). Also, a three-dimensional (3-D) finite element (FE) model was developed to evaluate change in structural response characteristics due to different dowel bar arrangements under the critical loading condition. | Kukjoo Kim, Sanghyun Chun, Sangyoung Han, Mang Tia |
| 1/1/2015 | January 2015 | Effect of Early-Age Concrete Elastic Properties on Fatigue Damage in PCC Pavements Containing Fibers | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/effect-of-early-age-concrete-elastic-properties-on-fatigue-damage-in-pcc-pavements-containing-fibers/ | Portland cement concrete, Fatigue (Mechanics), Failure, High early strength cement, Elasticity (Mechanics), Fibers | This research may result in decreased construction time and time for opening to traffic, resulting in potential cost savings through use of shorter periods of traffic control, as well as potential for enhancing highway user satisfaction and decreasing user complaints, plus other cost savings. | Mohsen A Issa |
| 3/1/2019 | March 2019 | Effective Instrumentation Plan and Analysis Methodology for Full-Scale Field Tests of Concrete Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/effective-instrumentation-plan-and-analysis-methodology-for-full-scale-field-tests-of-concrete-pavements/ | Concrete pavements;ÿData analysis;ÿField tests;ÿInstrumentation;ÿStrain gages;ÿStrain measurement;ÿTest procedures | This study focused on the development of an effective methodology for instrumentation and data analysis to more accurately measure and to assess strain profiles from full-scale test slabs in consideration of the effects of localized traffic wander and missing data within an array of sensors. An effective instrumentation plan and analysis methodology were identified, and their applicability was evaluated using analytical results and a full-scale field experiment. The results indicated that sensor spacing significantly affected maximum strains interpolated, and load-induced strain profiles from strain gauges were highly influenced by localized wheel wander. The accuracy of predicted maximum strain was not affected by one missing data point; however, it would be greatly reduced if data from two sensors at the center of the array were missed. An array of uniformly spaced six gauges with 15 cm (6 in.) intervals around the wheel path was used and an interpolation methodology was developed to accurately capture the load-induced maximum strain based on strain profiles obtained from a full-scale concrete slab, taking into account the effects of localized traffic wander and missing data. | Sangyoung Han, Kukjoo Kim, Sanghyun Chun, Mang Tia |
| 11/30/21 | November 2021 | Effectiveness of Geotextiles/Geogrids in Roadway Construction; Determine a Granular Equivalent (GE) Factor | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/effectiveness-of-geotextiles-geogrids-in-roadway-construction-determine-a-granular-equivalent-ge-factor/ | Geogrids; Granular bases; Material reinforcement; Pavement performance; Road construction; Subgrade (Pavements) | Geogrids have been widely used in roadway construction as reinforcement in pavement foundations. Geogrids have been effective in practice for reducing rutting damage, distributing traffic loads within the pavement foundation layers, increasing the resilient modulus of the base course, and stabilizing the subgrade layer. For this project, an integrated mobile accelerated test system (IMAS), an automated plate load test (APLT) device, and finite element simulation approaches were used to evaluate the effects of geogrid reinforcement. Test configurations were constructed by varying geogrid types (i.e., light-duty biaxial, heavy-duty biaxial, light-duty triaxial, and heavy-duty triaxial), geogrid locations in the base course (i.e., at the interface between the base and the subgrade or in the base course), and base aggregate thicknesses (6, 10, and 16 in) in the laboratory and in experimental field tests. The finite element method (FEM) models were calibrated based on the results from the experimental test sections. Then, the calibrated FEM models were used to determine granular equivalent (GE) values for the remaining sections. Testing results included resilient modulus, deflection, and permanent deformation of the pavement foundation to evaluate the structural benefits of geogrids as a function of the GE. The results of this research revealed that improvement in pavement performance using geosynthetic reinforcement depended on various factors and variables. A new formulation was proposed to predict the GE factor of geogrid reinforcement of flexible pavements. The products produced by this research include this report, which improves geogrid understanding, and a well-developed method to apply GE factors during pavement design. It is expected that one or more of the following benefits will be achieved during implementation: increased service life, reduced gravel and/or asphalt thickness, and reduced maintenance costs. | Hossein Alimohammdi, Vernon R. Shaefer, Junxing Zheng, Charles T. Jahren, Guangfan Zheng, David White |
| 06/30/15 | June 2015 | Effects of Coarse Aggregate on the Physical Properties of Florida Concrete Mixes | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/effects-of-coarse-aggregate-on-the-physical-properties-of-florida-concrete-mixes/ | Florida, Road construction, Coarse aggregates, Admixtures, Durability, Portland cement concrete, Pozzolan, Slag | This research will investigate the use of new sources and current sources of coarse aggregates produced in Florida, which will be used to implement recommendations for revision to the Florida DOT (FDOT) Standard Specification for road and bridge construction, particularly sections 901 and 346, Pozzolans and Slag, and Portland Cement Concrete. The research will investigate the strength, physical, thermal, and durability properties of the aggregate materials and their suitability for use in concrete. | Christopher C Ferraro, Caitlin M Tibbetts, Michael C Perry, Benjamin E Watts, Jerry M Paris |
| 8/1/2014 | August 2014 | Efficacy of the Bacteria Encapsulation Concrete Self-Healing Method in a Harsh Environment | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/efficacy-of-the-bacteria-encapsulation-concrete-self-healing-method-in-a-harsh-environment/ | Concrete construction, Compressive strength, Reinforcing steel, Tensile strength, Corrosion, Moisture content, Air content, Cracking, | Concrete is the most widely used material in construction, offering advantages in terms of moisture and fire resistance, versatility, cost, energy-efficiency, and environmental impact. Concrete provides a relatively high level of compressive strength; its tensile strength, however, is fairly low, and concrete members crack on the tension side under the application of small loads. Hence, most concrete systems generally incorporate reinforcing steel to resist tensile. While reinforcing steel receives a certain level of protection against corrosion from the surrounding concrete, the corrosion of reinforcing steel is still a predominant factor undermining the longevity of the vast concrete-based infrastructure. The presence of both air and water is required for corrosion activity to start, and, after tensile crack formation, it will accelerate. However, corrosion may be slowed down considerably if the diffusion of oxygen and harmful ions, such as chloride ions, through the concrete could be reduced. The new concept of self-healing concrete was introduced over the past decade, and many researchers are still investigating the feasibility of the process at a laboratory scale. There are two objectives for the self-healing concrete: (1) recovery of strength after the formation of cracks and (2) sealing the cracks to prevent further concrete deterioration, such as that resulting from corrosion. Several approaches for concrete self-healing are proposed in the literature, such as bacteria encapsulation, mineral admixture, chemical in glass tubing, etc. Most of the proposed methods focused on the second objective and showed promising results for eliminating or reducing the cracks that form first, when the concrete is still relatively young, under dry or wet conditions. However, very few studies have been done to show the versatility and repeatability of some the most promising approaches, such as bacterial encapsulation. | Goli Nossoni, Daniel Hussey, Marisa Budziszewski |
| 4/19/2017 | April 2017 | Enhancing Mechanical Properties of Pervious Concrete Using Carbon Fiber Composite Reinforcement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/enhancing-mechanical-properties-of-pervious-concrete-using-carbon-fiber-composite-reinforcement/ | Carbon fibers; Composite materials; Mechanical properties; Porous pavements; Reinforced concrete; Reinforcement (Engineering); Salvage; Pervious concrete | Cured carbon fiber composite material (CCFCM) is available from manufacturing lines; however, excess CCFCM has no reuse applications at present. Postindustrial CCFCM was mechanically refined and used as reinforcement to improve the mechanical properties of pervious concrete (PC). Four PC mixtures were included in the study, which contained 0 (control), 3, 4, and 5% CCFCM by volume. Infiltration rates of all CCFCM mixtures were above the acceptable level of 1,200 cm/h. Paired t-tests showed that all CCFCM mixtures significantly outperformed the control mixture in terms of split tensile strength by 57–84% and flexural strength by 36–65% in 28-day testing. Load-displacement curves of CCFCM mixtures indicated increases of 41–54% in toughness indices. Mass loss due to Los Angeles machine abrasion (Cantabro) ranged from 16 to 31% for CCFCM mixtures, while the control lost 50% of its original mass. Overall, within the tested range, up to 4% CCFCM addition to PC presented the optimal result across the entire experimental scope. Higher CCFCM contents may be possible if used as a replacement of aggregate rather than an additive to the mixture. | Harry Rodin, Milena Rangelov, Somayeh Nassiri, Karl Englund |
| 9/1/2017 | September 2017 | Establishing Best Practices for Construction and Design of Cement Treated Materials | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/establishing-best-practices-for-construction-and-design-of-cement-treated-materials/ | Base course (Pavements); Cement treated soils; Failure; Laboratory tests; Mix design; Performance tests | TxDOT has been constructing pavement structures with cement-treated materials for many years; however, premature failures, such as rutting and cracking, occasionally occur during or shortly after construction. To ensure cement-treated base (CTB) durability and adequate performance over the pavement design life, it is critical to have a better understanding and knowledge of the significance of material mixture designs, construction, and inspection techniques. This project will look at the existing TxDOT guidelines and provide a comprehensive evaluation of how they compare to other published guidelines and recent literature. Particularly, this project will evaluate the potential benefits of new technologies such as inverted pavement structure and super slurry on the properties of the CTB. This evaluation includes developing new rheological testing standards and specifications for evaluating best slurry mixes to maximize performance of the most common TxDOT recycled base material. The project will include an extensive laboratory evaluation of performance and durability of CTB material prepared using traditional on-site and in-plant mixing and compare it to the newly proposed slurry-based mixing. These tests will provide the basis for the new mix design specifications and laboratory testing, along with developing baseline curves for in-situ inspection and evaluating field performance. | Reza S Ashtiani |
| 8/9/2012 | August 2012 | Evaluate and Develop Innovative Pavement Repair and Patching: Taconite-Based Repair Options | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluate-and-develop-innovative-pavement-repair-and-patching:-taconite-based-repair-options.--/ | Asphalt pavements; Concrete pavements; Patching; Pavement maintenance; Paving; Potholes (Pavements) | The research notes that Taconite-based pavement repair options provide such benefits as longer-lasting/more efficient repairs. Additionally, Taconite-based pavement repair is seen to provide important near- and long-term cost-savings, reduced traffic delays, and increased safety for drivers. Immediate use and deployment of Taconite-based pavement repair would include the repair/maintenance of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) and Portland Concrete Cement (PCC) pavements (e.g., pothole repair). The research, which involves laboratory and field tests, does comparative testing against propane/infrared-based (IR) heating for: a) wintertime utility access and/or repair of pavement; and b) hot in-place recycling of HMA. Also included are cost-benefit analyses, designed to aid decision-makers withn municipal, county and state governments, as well as the private sector. | Lawrence M Zanko, David M Hopstock, Will DeRocher |
| 03/01/20 | March 2020 | Evaluate, Modify and Adapt the Concrete Works Software for Iowa's Use | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluate,-modify-and-adapt-the-concrete-works-software-for-iowa's-use/ | Computer programs, Concrete bridges, Cracking, Mass concrete, Temperature | The early-age thermal development in mass concrete has a significant impact on the performance and long-term serviceability of mass concrete structures, such as bridge foundations. Great efforts have been made on predicting and controlling the thermal development in mass concrete. ConcreteWorks has been increasingly used for this purpose. However, previous research in Iowa indicated that, although user-friendly, the public ConcreteWorks program has some features that do not fit Iowa concrete well. The present research aimed at modifying the ConcreteWorks software for Iowa’s use, particularly for the prediction of thermal behavior of mass concrete elements with a smallest dimension of 6.5 feet or less. In this study, the input and output parameters of ConcreteWorks that need to be modified for Iowa’s use were identified. The key properties (heat of hydration, thermal conductivity, mechanical properties, etc.) of typical Iowa concrete mixes required by ConcreteWorks for thermal predictions were tested. The Iowa environmental data and Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) temperature differential limits were incorporated into the modified ConcreteWorks program. An initial soil temperature model was added. Thermal analyses were conducted on a real-time mass concrete project (the I-35 NB to US 30 WB [Ramp H] bridge) using both the unmodified and modified ConcreteWorks software as well as 4C-Temp&Stress software, and the predicted temperature developments were compared with those monitored from the field site. The results indicate that the modified ConcreteWorks software predicts the early-age temperature profile, maturity, and strength of Iowa mass concrete quite well. As many default data in the public ConcreteWorks software are replaced with Iowa concrete values, the modified software is even more user-friendly and reliable for Iowa’s use. A hands-on workshop on learning how to use ConcreteWorks was welcomed by Iowa engineers. Recommendations are made in this report for effective use of the modified ConcreteWorks software in Iowa and for further research in this area. | Kejin Wang, Yogiraj Sargam, Kyle Riding, Mahmoud Faytarouni, Charles Jahren, Jay Shen |
| 12/31/2016 | December 2016 | Evaluating Electrical Resistivity as a Performance based Test for Utah Bridge Deck Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluating-electrical-resistivity-as-a-performance-based-test-for-utah-bridge-deck-concrete/ | Concrete; Electrical resistivity method; Durability; Bridge deck; Performance based specifications | The purpose of this research project was to identify the extent that concrete resistivity measurements (bulk and/or surface) can be used as a performance based lab test to improve the quality of concrete in Utah bridge decks. By allowing UDOT to specify a required resistivity, concrete bridge deck quality will increase and future maintenance costs will decrease. This research consisted of two phases: the field phase and the lab phase. In the field phase, concrete samples were gathered from local concrete producers in Utah. These concrete samples were made with common concrete mixes used in bridge decks across the state of Utah. Testing multiple different mix designs allowed the research team to investigate several variations of concrete constituents, for instance, water to cement ratio, common Utah supplementary cementitious materials, curing type, and aggregate type. Mechanical and durability testing was performed on concrete of different ages. These tests included strength, surface resistivity, bulk resistivity, rapid chloride permeability, and freeze and thaw tests. In the lab phase, one of the field mixes was chosen as the control mix. This mix was then duplicated in the lab in order to see the performance differences of each mix in the controlled and field experiments. In addition, changes were made to the lab control mix, to see the effect of different materials on the resistivity and durability of concrete. | Amir Malakooti, Marc Maguire, Robert J Thomas |
| 10/1/2011 | October 2011 | Evaluating the Financial Cost and Impact on Long Term Pavement Performance of Expediting Michigan's Road Construction Work | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluating-the-financial-cost-and-impact-on-long-term-pavement-performance-of-expediting-michigans-road-construction-work/ | Pavement performance, Michigan, Incentives, User delay costs, Road construction, Costs | This research studies whether the Incentive/Disincentive for expediting construction captures the true cost and identify its impacts on the long-term pavement performance for projects that have been expedited vs. conventional scheduling. The analysis results highlight the effectiveness of Accepted for Traffic and Interim Completion incentive/ Disincentive clauses; they also debate the effectiveness of the lane rental incentive/disincentive clauses, in achieving their goal by accelerating project schedules and reducing user delay cost. | Mohamed El-Gafy |
| 5/1/2013 | May 2013 | Evaluation of Alternative Pozzolanic Materials for Partial Replacement of Portland Cement in Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-alternative-pozzolanic-materials-for-partial-replacement-of-portland-cement-in-concrete/ | Alternatives analysis, concrete, durability, materials, portland cement, pozzolan, rheological properties | This research will investigate the use of new sources of pozzolanic materials, which will be used to implement recommendations for revisions to the FDOT Standard Specifications for road and bridge construction, particularly Section 929, Pozzolans and Slag. The research will investigate the plastic, rheological, heat generating, chemical, physical and durability properties of the alternative materials and their suitability for use in concrete. | Christopher C Ferraro, Timothy Townsend, Mang Tia, Jerry Paris |
| 03/12/21 | March 2021 | Evaluation of Bonded Concrete Overlays on Asphalt Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-bonded-concrete-overlays-on-asphalt-pavements/ | Concrete overlays, Cracking of concrete pavements, Durability, Life cycle costing, Mechanistic-empirical pavement design, Pavement maintenance, Rutting, Service life, Thickness | This report presents representative performance prediction curves for bonded concrete overlays on asphalt (BCOAs). The representative performance prediction curves are based on comprehensive laboratory and field investigations for determining best practices for scoping, design, material selection, construction, maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of BCOA pavements. This report will be of immediate interest to construction and maintenance engineers. | Linda M. Pierce, Sarah E. Stolte, Nick Weitzel, Jose Medina, Tom Van Dam, Kevin Senn, Jeff Roesler, Gail M. Scott, Sushobhan Sen, Omar A. Jadallah, Ken Maser, Adam Carmichael, Kelly Smith, Kurt Smith |
| 8/9/2012 | August 2012 | Evaluation of Concrete and Mortars for Partial Depth Repairs | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-concrete-and-mortars-for-partial-depth-repairs/ | partial depth repairs, cpr, patching | Evaluate the effect of chemical admixtures on a standard MnDOT patching mix, to develop improved guidelines for evaluation of pre-bagged commercial patching mixtures to ensure durability if possible, and to recommend effective construction practices while using these types of patching materials. | Eshan V Dave, Jay Dailey, Eric Musselman |
| 12/15/2016 | December 2016 | Evaluation of Corrosion Inhibiting Materials Applied by Impregnation (Pressure Injection) Methods to Prevent Corrosion of Post-Tensioned Tendons | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-corrosion-inhibiting-materials-applied-by-impregnation-(pressure-injection)-methods-to-prevent-corrosion-of-post-tensioned-tendons/ | Corrosion; Impregnation (Engineering); Materials; Posttensioning; Pressure; Tendons (Materials) | The goal of this project is to evaluate the long term effectiveness and the service life of the material(s) actually used for impregnation of tendons and identify other materials that could produce better end results. In addition, the project will evaluate the effects of the impregnation methods on the physical characteristics of the tendon system to determine applicability to bonded tendons. | Ivan Lasa |
| 12/11/2017 | December 2017 | Evaluation of Durability and Structural Performance of Concrete with Embedded Inductive Coils | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-durability-and-structural-performance-of-concrete-with-embedded-inductive-coils/ | Coils (Electromagnetism); Durability; Electric power transmission; Electric vehicle charging; Inductance; Load tests; Paving; Portland cement concrete | A major impediment to public acceptance of electric vehicles is their very limited travel range. An exciting potential solution to this problem is In-Motion Electric Wireless Power Transfer. This proposal addresses initial investigations of the problem from the perspective of the actual civil infrastructure. In order for the future adoption of this technology, roadways will need to be modified to allow the transmission of power to vehicles as they travel. Successful adoption of In-Motion Wireless Power Transfer will require advances in the efficiency of the overall electrical system, improvements in tracking of the actual vehicles, and significant developments in the civil infrastructure. This proposal will address the durability and constructability of coils in Portland cement concrete. The stringent electrical specifications will be monitored while repeated cycles of simulated truck tire loadings are inflicted on constructed specimens. | Marvin W Halling |
| 11/1/2016 | November 2016 | Evaluation of In-Place Concrete Strength by Coring | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-in-place-concrete-strength-by-coring/ | concrete cores; compressive strength | The objective of this project is to develop an ALDOT procedure to evaluate core strength results obtained under various conditions. The procedure will account for the most significant variables that may affect the core strength and for the number of core results obtained from the structure. Experimental work will be performed to evaluate the effect of concrete age on core strength & of core L/D ratio on concrete strength for strengths greater than 6,000 psi. | Aaron R Grubbs, Adam C Carroll, Anton K Schindler, Robert W Barnes |
| 4/1/2011 | April 2011 | Evaluation of Long-Term Pavement Performance and Noise Characteristics of the Next Generation Concrete Surface | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-long-term-pavement-performance-and-noise-characteristics-of-the-next-generation-concrete-surface/ | Next Generation Concrete Surface, concrete pavement, diamond grinding, quieter pavements, on board sound intensity measurements | This report documents the performance of the first Next Generation Concrete Surface (NGCS) built by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). On-board sound intensity (OBSI) measurements increased from initial levels of 100.6 dBA to 104.4 dBA in 30 months. The increase in noise level was attributed to the loss of aggregate and general roughening of the concrete surface by studded tires. | Keith W Anderson, Jeff S Uhlmeyer, Tim Sexton, Mark Russell, Jim Weston |
| 1/1/2016 | January 2016 | Evaluation of Lower Quality Recycled Portland Cement Concrete Pavement for Paving Applications | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-lower-quality-recycled-portland-cement-concrete-pavement-for-paving-applications/ | Base course (Pavements); Concrete pavements; Hot mix asphalt; Pavement layers; Portland cement concrete; Recycled materials; Subgrade (Pavements | The primary objective of this project is to investigate the suitability of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) for the cement-treated base layers, hot-mix asphalt concrete pavement layer, and stabilized subgrade materials. | Mustaque Hossain |
| 09/30/14 | September 2014 | Evaluation of Materials for Partial Depth PCC Repairs | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-materials-for-partial-depth-pcc-repairs/ | partial depth repairs, cpr, patching | Evaluate performance of various materials used for partial depth PCC repairs at MnROAD. | Eddie Johnson, Ben Worel, Tom Burnham |
| 2/1/2018 | February 2018 | Evaluation of MIT-SCAN-T2 for Thickness Quality Control for PCC and HMA Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-mit-scan-t2-for-thickness-quality-control-for-pcc-and-hma-pavements/ | Field tests; Nondestructive tests; Pavement performance; Portland cement concrete; Quality control; Thickness; MIT Scan-2 system | Thickness is currently a pay item for PCC pavements and a quality control item for both PCC and HMA pavements. A change in pavement thickness of 0.5 in. can result in a change of multiple years of service. Current thickness measurements are performed by destructively coring the finished pavement and measuring the thickness of the core. Many times this is performed at the end of the project construction and only five representative samples are collected for each lot. Devices such as the MIT-SCAN-T2 are excellent examples of non-destructive technology capable of accurately measuring the pavement thickness. The objective was to evaluate the MIT-SCAN-T2 as a non-destructive pavement thickness measuring device for quality control and quality assurance purposes. A ruggedness study was performed in the laboratory to determine factors of influence on thickness measurements. Field evaluations were performed to test the device in actual production conditions. The ruggedness test showed the presence of steel-toe boot, surface area, plate manufacturer, and depth as potentially significant factors. However, the influence of these factors on the measured depth was large, causing significant errors in the depth readings. An additional factorial was performed with a control sample and additional runs, varying only one factor at a time. The readings obtained with this factorial were significantly more accurate, with an error of 0.2 in. for the control sample. These results show that the device is capable of accurately measuring thickness if used within the parameters recommended by the manufacturer. The field results support the finding of the ruggedness study. If all of the negative influencing factors are controlled the MIT-SCAN-T2 can accurately measure the in-place depth of pavement. If any of these factors are present, then results can be skewed heavily. | Zachary Collier, Amar Raghavendra, TysonRupnow, Patrick Icenogle, |
| 10/27/2014 | October 2014 | Evaluation of Mix Designs and Test Procedures for Pervious Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-mix-designs-and-test-procedures-for-pervious-concrete.--/ | Compressive strength; Concrete; Flexural strength; Infiltration; Mix design; Permeability; Porosity | Pervious concrete is a mixture of cement, aggregate, and water that provides a level of porosity which allows water to percolate into the sub-grade. It differs from the conventional concrete since it usually contains a smaller amount of fine aggregate. There is typically single size aggregate in pervious concrete which results in larger air void than conventional concrete. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) constructed pavements in selected street alleys using pervious concrete on a pilot basis. DDOT does not currently have its own specifications for pervious concrete. As a result, this research was aimed at developing and testing five design mixes of pervious concrete to identify the appropriate mix which would provide the maximum compressive strength with an acceptable permeability rate and flexural strength. The tests were conducted on the five design mixes using three different types of compaction methods (self-consolidating, half-rodding and Standard Proctor Hammer). Based on the results, a design mix with a compressive strength of 3,500 pounds per square inch (psi) with a maximum coefficient of permeability of 57.82 inches per hour (in/hr) was selected. The maximum modulus of rupture of the selected mix was determined to be 565 psi. The in-situ infiltration tests conducted at 3 locations in the District of Columbia (DC) with the optimal pervious concrete mix yielded average infiltration rates between 86.1 and 208.7 in/hr. This falls within the typical infiltration rate of pervious concrete (i.e., 100 to 200 in/hr, on average). | Rezene Medhani, Wasi Khan, Stephen Arhin |
| 7/1/2013 | July 2013 | Evaluation of PCC Pavement and Structure Coring and In-situ Testing Alternatives | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-pcc-pavement-and-structure-coring-and-in-situ-testing-alternatives/ | concrete, coring, in-place strength, non-destructive evaluation | The objective of this research is to improve interpretation of core sample test results to predict in-place concrete strength. The effect of core condition (including presence of embedded rebar) and core conditioning procedures (dry and wet) on the measured compressive strength of the core sample will be considered. Another objective of the research to evaluate the utility of practical non-destructive testing methods for estimating in-place concrete strength that could be done to reduce the amount of required coring, or provide an estimate of in situ strength for locations that cannot be cored, such as in precast pre-stressed beams. Results from this study will assist IDOT to establish procedures to estimate in-place strength of concrete with greater accuracy, where such information could be used by IDOT to improve implementation of pay-for-performance specifications for PCC construction. | John S. Popovics, Agustin Spalvier, Kerry S. Hall |
| 05/01/14 | May 2014 | Evaluation of Pervious Concrete Mixes in Areas Subject to Snow Plow Operations and Abrasive and Salt Application | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-pervious-concrete-mixes-in-areas-subject-to-snow-plow-operations-and-abrasive-and-salt-application/ | Pervious Concrete | This research is intended to monitor field sites and conducting laboratory tests on durability and effectiveness of the pervious concrete. | Ning Xie, Stephen Mery, Yudong Dang, Michelle Akin, Xianming Shi |
| 3/1/2018 | March 2018 | Evaluation of Precast Concrete Pavement Systems and Cast-in-Place—Phase I: Identification of Accelerated Concrete Pavement Rehabilitation Methods | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-precast-concrete-pavement-systems-and-cast-in-place:-phase-i:-identification-of-accelerated-concrete-pavement-rehabilitation-methods/ | Cast in place concrete; Evaluation and assessment; Pavement maintenance; Performance based specifications; Portland cement concrete; Precast concrete pavements; Rehabilitation (Maintenance) | The purpose of this project is to: (1) Evaluate the laboratory and field performance of several precast and Cast In-Place (CIP) rapid Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) pavement rehabilitation technologies or systems; (2) Establish a performance criteria for evaluating and approving precast and CIP systems under full-scale accelerated testing conditions applied using a Heavy Vehicle Simulator (HVS); (3) Develop a system/material approval procedure (MAP) which incorporates the performance criteria developed (previous goal) and populate NJDOT’s qualified products list (QPL) to include the best performing systems/materials; and (4) Develop system/material-specific specifications that will ensure success of selected materials. | Yusuf Mehta |
| 8/1/2014 | August 2014 | Evaluation of Recycled Aggregates Test Section Performance | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-recycled-aggregates-test-section-performance/ | Pavement distress, Sustainable development, Recycled materials, Test sections, Road construction, Concrete pavements, Aggregates, Freeze thaw durability, Degradation failures, Minnesota, | Sustainable development is promoted by using recycled material such as recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) in construction. Several sections of concrete pavement made with RCA now exist in the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) network. However, the long-term performance of such sections has not been formally evaluated against the performance of similar conventional concrete pavements. The variables of interest include such things as mean times between repairs or maintenance, rate of friction degradation, ride quality loss, amount of freeze-thaw degradation, aggregate alkali reaction, and other distresses. It is necessary to perform such an evaluation to get an accurate idea of the cost effectiveness of using RCA. While a reduction in initial cost may be realized by using RCA, there is the possibility that long-term costs, that is lifecycle costs, may be higher for the RCA pavements. If the lifecycle costs of RCA pavements are found to be lower than those for conventional pavements, this could lead to an increased use of RCA in pavement construction. | Farhad Reza, W. James Wilde |
| 10/17/2016 | October 2016 | Evaluation of Recycled Base Aggregates | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-recycled-base-aggregates/ | Asphalt pavements; Blending; Concrete aggregates; Deformation; Economic benefits; Environmental impacts; Pavement distress; Pavement performance; Recycled materials | While the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has been using Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) and Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) for their economic and environmental benefits for over thirty years, there has been great interest in using them in recent years due to expected economic and environmental benefits. However, studies to support these benefits are inconclusive. Some laboratory studies indicate that, under certain conditions, RAP and RCA are more resilient, with higher durability than typical natural aggregates; but, RAP also showed temperature sensitivity and larger permanent deformations, and RCA exhibits tufa (type of limestone) formation, with a potentially lower ability to drain. Another long term (2009-2013) study found recycled and natural aggregates performed similarly; however, there are now reports of rutting and cracking. The general impression of roads constructed with recycled materials is that they are performing adequately. But we need a quantitative review of Wisconsin roads - using recycled materials compared with roads constructed with natural materials. This study needs to include a collection and comparison of pavement distress surveys for us to make wise decisions in the future. This study will conduct surveys to collect and analyze pavement distress for roadways constructed using recycled versus natural materials. If the research shows recycled materials have negative attributes, alternative techniques, such as blending aggregates, will be examined to determine if they can produce satisfactory results. | Hani H. Titi, Habib Tabatabai, Jessie Ramirez, Mohammad Sooman |
| 7/1/2017 | July 2017 | Evaluation of Reducing Cement Content in NDOR Class R Combined Aggregate Gradations | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-reducing-cement-content-in-ndor-class-r-combined-aggregate-gradations/ | Aggregate gradation; Air voids; Blending; Cement content; Granular materials; Optimization | To encourage more use of locally available aggregates, Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) Materials and Research recently introduced a new blend aggregate band named 47B Revised (47BR). While results showed that mixes with this new blend can satisfy NDOR requirements, there is a fairly large amount of voids in the aggregate particle skeleton. As a result, a relatively high amount of cement (approximately 600pcy) is currently used in these mixes to compensate the high void content, which increase the cost of these mixes. A further study is needed to improve the cost effectiveness of the current 47BR mixes by allowing contractors and ready-mixed concrete producers to apply mixture designs with lower cement content. The reduced cement content can be achieved by reducing the void content in the aggregate granular skeleton through the change of aggregate proportion and/or the introduction of a third kind of aggregate (e.g., intermediate size aggregate) to optimize the gradation. | Jiong Hu, Yong-Rak Kim |
| 12/1/2013 | December 2013 | Evaluation of Resistivity Meters for Concrete Quality Assurance | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-resistivity-meters-for-concrete-quality-assurance/ | Concrete resistivity, Life cycle analysis, Quality assurance, Concrete, Concrete construction, Durability, Distress | The objective of this study is to develop appropriate test protocols for implementation of the surface resistivity test method as a quality assurance tool for new construction and for potential evaluation of existing structures in Missouri. Resistivity testing is currently the single simplest and lowest cost technique available to improve concrete lifecycle. Missourians will benefit through better quality, lower permeability concrete increasing concrete lifecycle, reducing durability distresses, and required reconstruction. Quarterly Progress Report (Oct-Dec 2013): The Request for Proposals was posted to the Research website on November 5, 2013. Proposals were due Thursday December 5, 2013 and two proposals were received. The technical advisory team met on December 19, 2013. The proposal from UMKC led by Dr. John Kevern was selected. Dr. Kevern began developing his work plan and budget to be included in the Task Order. The contract will be signed and executed at the beginning of this upcoming quarter. | John T. Kevern, Ceki Halmen, Dirk P. Hudson |
| 2/1/2014 | February 2014 | Evaluation of Test Sections Built with Recycled Aggregates | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-test-sections-built-with-recycled-aggregates/ | recycle | This study is designed to evaluate test sections at MnROAD where two-lift and monolithic recycled aggregates pavements have been built. It will also evaluate test sections identified in the network. | Farjhad Reza |
| 7/1/2013 | July 2013 | Evaluation of the Long-Term Performance and Benefit of Using an Enhanced Micro-Milling Resurfacing Method | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-the-long-term-performance-and-benefit-of-using-an-enhanced-micro-milling-resurfacing-method/ | Micromilling, Resurfacing, Pavements, Preservation, Performance evaluations, Friction course | The objective of this project is to examine the suitability of micromilling for pavement preservation by comparing the performance of pavement preservation methods in which friction courses are directly placed on micro milled and conventionally-milled surfaces. | Yichang (James) Tsai, Zhaohua Wang, April Gadsby |
| 12/1/2018 | December 2018 | Experimental Simulation and Quantification of Migration of Subgrade Soil into Subbase under Rigid Pavement Using Model Mobile Load Simulator | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/experimental-simulation-and-quantification-of-migration-of-subgrade-soil-into-subbase-under-rigid-pavement-using-model-mobile-load-simulator/ | Concrete pavements; Fines (Materials); Pavement joints; Pavement performance; Rigid pavements; Saturated soils; Subbase (Pavements); Subgrade (Pavements) | Rigid pavement structure typically consists of a surface layer (concrete), underlying granular layers (subbase and/or base), and a compacted subgrade soil layer. Because the subgrade is saturated during wet seasons, cyclic loading caused by heavy traffic may lead to pumping of fine particles from the subgrade into the granular layers, redistribution of materials underneath the slabs, and gradual ejection of materials through pavement joints. This phenomenon results in faulting and can be a major contributor to pavement failure in wet regions. The objective of this study was to simulate and quantify the migration of subgrade soil into the subbase at rigid pavement joints. The cyclic traffic loading was simulated on a geometrically scaled model of rigid interstate highway pavement using a one-third-scale model mobile load simulator (MMLS3), an accelerated pavement testing device. Nonplastic saturated silt and partially saturated aggregate subbase were used as subgrade and subbase layers, respectively. | Behnoud Kermani, Shelley M. Stoffels, Ming Xiao, Tong Qiu |
| 9/5/2017 | September 2017 | Experimental Study on Anti-Icing and Deicing Performance of Polyurethane Concrete as Road Surface Layer | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/experimental-study-on-anti-icing-and-deicing-performance-of-polyurethane-concrete-as-road-surface-layer/ | Deicing; Polymer concrete; Polyurethane resins; Shear tests; | This study aims to investigate deicing and anti-icing performance of an innovative pavement surface layer that replaces asphalt binder with polyurethane, using laboratory tests. The ice-mixture composite specimens were prepared using asphalt binder and polyurethane with the same aggregate type and gradation. The deicing and anti-icing performance of polyurethane concrete at different freezing time was compared to the traditional asphalt concrete. It was found that polyurethane concrete has similar thermal conductivity but much greater specific heat as compared to asphalt concrete. Compared to asphalt concrete, polyurethane concrete can significantly retard the ice-formation time. The pull-off strength and interface shear strength at the interface of ice and polyurethane concrete is about 50% and 55% of those at the interface of ice and asphalt concrete. The work of rupture to break ice layer on polyurethane concrete is about 50% of the work required on asphalt concrete with the same ice layer thickness. The findings demonstrate the potential of using polyurethane concrete on roadways in cold regions to provide better anti-icing and deicing performance and enhance traffic safety at winter seasons. | Jun Chen, Xie Ma, Hao Wang, Pengyu Xie, WeiHuang |
| 05/30/14 | May 2014 | Extending the Usage of High-Volume Fly Ash in Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/extending-the-usage-of-high-volume-fly-ash-in-concrete/ | Additives, Admixtures, Cracking, Fly ash, Freeze thaw durability, Surface treating, X-ray computed tomography | Concrete mixtures that contain a high volume of fly ash (greater than 30%) have become more desirable for the increase in sustainability and economy of these mixtures. Extensive work has been completed by the principal investigator (PI) Volz for the Missouri Department of Transportation under several previous projects to show that there are many applications where high volume fly ash can be used to provide satisfactory performance. However, several additional additives had to be included in the concrete mixture to improve the reactivity and subsequent strength gain of the mixture. While these additives did improve the performance of the mixtures, there was still a measurable difference between the high volume fly ash mixtures and concretes that use traditional volumes of fly ash. Furthermore, during the durability testing of these mixtures, there was poor performance of these mixtures in the ASTM C 672 salt scaling test. These differences in performance in these materials provide significant barriers between low and high dosages of fly ash that will not allow their usage in bridge decks, pavements, sidewalks, or any element with a time sensitive strength gain. Recent work has been completed by Silva, Cheung, and Roberts of W.R. Grace to introduce a new and promising method of pre-treating fly ash by soaking it in water or other solutions before using it in concrete. This treatment allows the fly ash mixtures investigated to show improved early and later age reaction rates and subsequent strength gain. This methodology needs to be investigated with a larger number of fly ash sources and also the mechanisms need to be better understood. If the benefits of this method could be achieved in a practical manner, then this would greatly improve the ability to use high volume fly ash concrete and would address several of these critical issues with delayed strength and setting. Even if these issues are addressed then there will still be problems with the subsequent scaling of these mixtures. While there are a number of different ways to address this problem, it would be better if there was a greater understanding of the mechanisms of salt scaling with high volume fly ash and why it is more severe than low volumes. In order to investigate this, the research team will use X-ray computed tomography techniques to image samples during freezing and thawing cycles. This technique can make 3D maps of materials with a scale of 1 micron and has been a significant focus of research of PI Ley at OSU. This technique will allow direct observations to be made of the crack initiation sites and their subsequent growth under freezing cycles. Once the scaling mechanism is better understood, then this will give much greater insight to guide future solutions. | Jeffery S. Volz |
| 9/15/2018 | September 2018 | Feasibility Study of 3D Printing of Concrete for Transportation Infrastructures TR-756 | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/feasibility-study-of-3d-printing-of-concrete-for-transportation-infrastructures-tr-756/ | Feasibility analysis; Infrastructure; Mix design; Printers; Technological innovations; Three dimensional displays | There is a growing interest in 3D concrete printing worldwide. Through automation, digitalization, and process planning, 3D printing technology permits to create concrete structures having complex geometry (various shapes/cross-sections) with high precision. It also enables concrete construction under extreme conditions that are difficult and/or very costly for conventional concrete formwork setup, placing, and/or consolidation. Many breakthroughs have been made in 3D concrete printing already, and one of them is the recent development in printing of reinforced concrete, which has opened a new door for further innovations and applications of 3D printed concrete. In spite of significant progress of this technology, studies on 3D concrete printing for the applications in transportation infrastructures are still very limited. This proposed project is to explore the feasibility to fill this gap. Research has indicated that in addition to the proper printing equipment and automation design tools, a core for successful 3D printed concrete is to have a desirable robust “ink” – an engineered concrete mixture. The focus of this proposed project is to develop a printable, functional concrete mixture. It is expected that this explorative study will bring many 3D printing related innovations to Iowa and offer a revolutionary perspective on the future structural concrete design and construction of transportation infrastructures as well as on emergency road/bridge repairs. | Kejin Wang |
| 10/1/2018 | October 2018 | FHWA Research and Technology Evaluation: Precast Concrete Pavement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/fhwa-research-and-technology-evaluation:-precast-concrete-pavement/ | Precast concrete pavement (PCP) | This evaluation assesses the outcomes of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA’s) investment in precast concrete pavement (PCP). The evaluation team determined the benefits and costs of individual PCP projects and, where possible, extrapolated findings from the data based on overall themes. Additionally, the evaluation team determined the outcomes and impacts of FHWA research, demonstrations, workshops, and related activities and developed recommendations to facilitate the continued adoption of the technology. FHWA’s efforts were found to be largely successful and contributory to the development and adoption of PCP. FHWA has overseen initial research and prototypes and has helped the use of PCP technology become routine in some States. PCP is an effective and efficient way to conduct roadway maintenance, repairs, and reconstruction. Benefits significantly exceed costs in high-volume areas or unique roadway sections that would lead to significant detours if closed for long periods of time. PCP also allows for innovative maintenance practices and cost savings, such as the reuse of concrete panels for temporary repairs. | Greg Bucci, Matthew Keen, Kaitlin Coppinger, JoeCondon |
| 2/1/2018 | February 2018 | Fiber (Steel) Reinforced Concrete for Improved Performance of Transportation Infrastructure | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/fiber-(steel)-reinforced-concrete-for-improved-performance-of-transportation-infrastructure/ | Steel fiber reinforced concrete, establish optimal mix designs, implementation, validate design procedures for SFRC | Steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) provides improved tensile performance of concrete. This improved performance can be used in slabs to reduce the volume of conventional steel reinforcement, create longer spans, or reduce slab thickness. Use of SFRC can lead to a reduction in structure weight and improvements in the safety and speed of construction. These benefits can result in cost savings in both the short term (construction labor) and the long term (improved quality and durability). To maximize the benefits of SFRC, it is necessary to establish optimal mix designs, identify target projects for implementation, and validate design procedures for SFRC. This project investigated the application of SFRC in pavements and bridge decks to reduce the amount of traditional steel used and to improve service level performance. The project consisted of four main tasks. The first was a review of the literature on SFRC applications to elevated slabs and slabs-on-grade. This was followed by case studies on implementation of SFRC for pavement and bridge decks. Results of the case studies informed the development of an experimental test program. Finally, all results were compiled to develop design recommendations and an implementation plan. The report summarizes the project findings and provides recommendations for the implementation of SFRC in Arizona Department of Transportation infrastructure. | Anna C. Birely, Philip Park, Joshua A. McMahon, Xijun Shi, Younho Rew |
| 1/1/2019 | January 2019 | Fiber-Reinforced Concrete in Bridge Decks TR-767 | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/fiber-reinforced-concrete-in-bridge-decks-tr-767/ | Benefit cost analysis; Bridge decks; Cracking; Fiber reinforced concrete; Field tests; High performance concrete; Laboratory tests; Mix design; Service life | The main objective of this research project is to design and evaluate the use of fibers in HPC mixes to prevent or reduce early-age cracking in bridge decks. This will be achieved through a systematic investigation supported by laboratory and field tests to ensure that the developed concrete mixes will meet both short- and long-term properties of interest. This project will begin with a comprehensive literature search and survey, which will supplement the knowledge and experience of the research team in working with fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC). A set of HPC mixes, including standard HPC, HPC with fibers, and HPC with fibers and admixtures will then be developed using fibers of different type, geometry, and dosage. | Behrouz Shafei |
| 7/1/2016 | July 2016 | Field Implementation and Monitoring of Behavior of Economical and Crack-Free High-Performance Concrete for Pavement and Transportation Infrastructure Constructions - Phase II | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/field-implementation-and-monitoring-of-behavior-of-economical-and-crack-free-high-performance-concrete-for-pavement-and-transportation-infrastructure-constructions-phase-ii/ | Asphalt mixtures; Cracking; Field tests; High performance concrete; Infrastructure; Mix design; Pavement performance; Sustainable transportation | Economical and crack-free high-performance concrete (Eco-HPC) is a new class of environmentally friendly and cost-effective high-performance concrete (HPC) that is made of low binder content, high volume of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), and shrinkage mitigating materials. The initial phase of research that involved an extensive laboratory investigation indicated that the designed Eco-HPC can secure high resistance to shrinkage cracking, and high strength and durability. | Kamal H. Khayat, Iman Mehdipour, Zemei Wu |
| 7/1/2016 | July 2016 | Field Implementation of High-Volume Recycled Materials for Sustainable Pavement Construction | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/field-implementation-of-high-volume-recycled-materials-for-sustainable-pavement-construction/ | Concrete aggregates; Field tests; Monitoring; Recycled materials; Road construction; Sustainable transportation | The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of producing sustainable concrete materials for rigid pavement construction using high volume of recycled materials. The goal was to replace 50% of all solid materials in the concrete with recycled materials and industrial by-products. This included the replacement of cement with at least 50% supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and aggregate with 50% recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). | Kamal H. Khayat, Seyedhamed Sadati |
| 7/1/2016 | July 2016 | Field Implementation of Super-Workable Fiber-Reinforced Concrete for Infrastructure Construction | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/field-implementation-of-super-workable-fiber-reinforced-concrete-for-infrastructure-construction/ | Bridge construction; Bridge members; Fiber reinforced concrete; Infrastructure; Performance based specifications; Self compacting concrete; Substructures; Superstructures; Workability | A fiber-reinforced super-workable concrete (FR-SWC) made with 0.5% micro-macro steel fibers and 5% calcium oxide (CaO)-based expansive agent was used for the new deck slab of Bridge A8509. The selected FR-SWC had a targeted slump flow of 20 in. at the casting location. Multiple trial batches were performed, in collaboration with the concrete supplier, to adjust the mixture composition to meet the targeted performance criteria. This was followed up by casting the fibrous concrete in a mock-up slab measuring 10 × 10 ft that was prepared to simulate the tight rebar and the roadway crown slope in the transverse direction. The results indicated the necessity to lower the concrete slump from the intended value for FR-SWC to hold the 2% crown slope of the bridge deck in the transverse direction. The final mixture that was selected following the trial batches and mock-up placement had a slump consistency of 8 ± 2 in. (FRC). Six sensor towers were installed in the slab within 18 ft to the East and West sides of the intermediate bent to monitor in-situ properties of the concrete. | Kamal H. Khayat, Ahmed Abdelrazik |
| 10/1/2017 | October 2017 | Field Testing of an Ultra-High Performance Concrete Overlay on Bridge Decks | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/field-testing-of-an-ultra-high-performance-concrete-overlay-on-bridge-decks/ | Ultras High Performance Concrete Overlay on Bridge Decks | Bridge decks are commonly rehabilitated using overlays, depending on the cause of deck deterioration, available budget, and desired service life of the rehabilitated structure. One emerging solution for bridge deck rehabilitation is thin, bonded, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) overlays. As an overlay material, UHPC can provide both structural strength and protection from ingress of contaminates using a 1 inch to 2 inch layer of material.The first U.S. deployment of UHPC as a bridge deck overlay was completed in May 2016 on a reinforced concrete slab bridge located in Brandon, Iowa. A few months after installing the UHPC overlay, a field inspection of the bridge identified some locations along the deck where delamination may have occurred. To address this concern, a field study was conducted in November 2016 to evaluate the bond between the UHPC overlay and the substrate concrete bridge deck. Researchers from the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) synthesized photographic evidence, conducted a field inspection of the bridge deck surface using a chain drag, and conducted physical testing of the UHPC-concrete interface bond using the direct tension bond pull-off test. Tested samples were taken back to TFHRC, and the UHPC-concrete interface was subsequently analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The pull-off test data indicated that the UHPC overlay and the existing concrete bridge deck were intact, which was confirmed by SEM analysis | Zachary B. Haber, Jose F. Munoz, Benjamin A. Graybea |
| 3/31/2017 | March 2017 | Forensic Investigation of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavements in Fair and Poor Condition | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/forensic-investigation-of-continuously-reinforced-concrete-pavements-in-fair-and-poor-condition/ | Continuously reinforced concrete pavements; Deterioration by environmental action; Nondestructive tests; Pavement cracking; Pavement maintenance; Structural deterioration and defects | Continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) sections contain longitudinal and transverse reinforcement that spans the entire pavement section. This paper presents the investigation result of two CRCP sections that exhibited closely spaced cluster cracks. One of the CRCP sections was in relatively poor condition because of distress in the form of several punchouts. In the forensic pavement investigation conducted jointly by a research team and the Georgia Department of Transportation, both nondestructive and destructive tests were used to investigate CRCP performance. It was concluded that the cluster-cracking mechanism was related to material and environmental factors. It was also concluded that the relatively poor CRCP section experiencing punchouts was due to poor concrete compaction and other construction issues. A long-term monitoring program was recommended by the investigation team to further identify signs of punchout distress and provide any needed rehabilitation. | Mi G. Chorzepa, Catherine Johnson; S. Sonny Kim, Stephan Durham |
| 3/1/2019 | March 2019 | Forensic Investigation of Distresses Found in Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/forensic-investigation-of-distresses-found-in-jointed-plain-concrete-pavements/ | Concrete pavements; Cracking of concrete pavements; Forensic science; Load transfer; Pavement distress; Pavement joints; Unreinforced concrete | Jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) is commonly used in roadway construction as an economical choice when distributed steel reinforcement is not necessary. The performance of JPCP depends on the joint load transfer efficiency and design parameters such as slab thickness, concrete strength, and dowel/joint spacing. This paper investigates two JPCP sections, State Route (SR)-22 in good condition and Interstate Highway (I)-75 in poor condition. The distress in the I-75 section is mainly depicted by longitudinal (or linear) cracks running the full depth through the concrete slabs. To understand the cause of distress, a forensic investigation was conducted jointly by a research team and the Georgia Department of Transportation. As part of the investigation, both nondestructive and destructive tests were performed using a falling weight deflectometer ground penetration radar, corings, and laboratory tests including petrographic analysis. Three sources of distress were considered in this study: environmental, traffic load, and material-related cracking mechanisms. | Mi G. Chorzepa, Catherine Johnson; S. Sonny Kim, Stephan Durham |
| 8/13/2014 | August 2014 | Forensic Study of Early Failures with Unbonded Concrete Overlays | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/forensic-study-of-early-failures-with-unbonded-concrete-overlays/ | Concrete overlays; Costs; Pavement design; Pavement distress; Pavement maintenance; Paving | The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has constructed over 350 lane miles of Unbonded Concrete Overlays (UBCO). For the most part these overlays have performed as expected. However, occasionally an UBCO is constructed which performs below expectations. The objective is to determine the mechanisms of failure responsible for each distress evident at the time of the study. The goal being to tie these mechanisms to the design, construction and/or materials practices or standards that can be modified to gain better performance and eliminate or delay these types of problems in the future. The research is expected to result in a better understanding of how to design and construct an unbonded concrete overlay. Ultimately, this research is expected to produce cost savings by preventing premature distress formations in unbonded concrete pavement overlays and reducing future maintenance costs to those projects through improved performance of the overlays. | Shad Sargand, Roger Green, Junqing Zhu, Issam Khoury |
| 4/19/2017 | April 2017 | Four High Performance Nonproprietary Concrete Deck Configurations for Movable Bridges | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/four-high-performance-nonproprietary-concrete-deck-configurations-for-movable-bridges/ | Admixtures; Bridge decks; Concrete pavements; Fiber reinforced polymers; Finite element method; High performance concrete; Movable bridges | Four high performance nonproprietary concrete bridge deck configurations are presented for Louisiana’s movable bridges as an alternative to traditional steel grid decks, which have exhibited durability problems. These concrete decks are as light and as deep as the traditional steel grid decks and meet the maximum weight limitation of 0.96 kN/m2 imposed by the capacity of the mechanical systems that operate the movable bridges. The four concrete deck configurations feature unique nonproprietary concrete mixtures that possess high strength and low unit weight. The development of each concrete mixture is presented. All reinforcement is corrosion resistant and consists of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars and a two-way carbon fiber mesh. Several nonlinear finite element analyses are performed to simulate the behavior of all four concrete deck configurations from the onset of loading to failure and to ensure that the developed deck configurations meet AASHTO’s load and deflections requirements. AASHTO’s ultimate load demand is met regardless of whether the deck system is made continuous for live loads. Two deck configurations meet AASHTO’s deflection requirements when continuity for live loads is established. The failure mode of the concrete deck panels is dominated by shear. The presented deck configurations offer the departments of transportation various feasible options and thus more flexibility for to how to address problems related to the deterioration of steel grid decks using locally available materials, and provide guidance as to what experimental testing to perform in the future. | Hadi Baghi, Fatmir Menkulasi, Carlos Montes, Jean Paul Sandrock Jr., Sergio Gomez |
| 2/28/2018 | February 2018 | Freeze Thaw and Deicer Salt Scaling Resistance of Concrete Prepared with Alkali Aluminosilicate Cement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/freeze-thaw-and-deicer-salt-scaling-resistance-of-concrete-prepared-with-alkali-aluminosilicate-cement/ | Alkali; Cement; Concrete; Deicing chemicals; Freeze thaw durability; Scaling (Concrete); Aluminosilicates; Highways; Materials; Pavements; | Concrete materials were prepared with a cement based primarily on the alkali aluminosilicate chemistry. Two aspects of concrete performance were emphasized and compared against those of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete: freeze-thaw durability, and deicer salt scaling resistance. Test results indicated that the concrete prepared with the alkali aluminosilicate cement (AAC) produced excellent freeze-thaw durability; its dicer salt scaling resistance, however, was lower than that provided by the OPC concrete. Efforts were made to improve the deicer salt scaling resistance of the AAC concrete through refinement of the AAC composition. The use of an air-entraining agent was found to enhance the deicer salt scaling resistance of the AAC concrete. Modification of the AAC chemistry with polyethylene glycol, tartaric acid, or a combination of sodium benzoate and triisopropanolamine was found to also improve the AAC concrete resistance to deicer salt scaling with minimal effect on compressive strength. | Faris Matalkah, Parviz Soroushian |
| 6/6/2014 | June 2014 | Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR) for Suburban/Urban and Local Roads Application | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/full-depth-reclamation-fdr-for-suburban-urban-and-local-roads-application/ | Full-depth reclamation, Cost effectiveness, Rehabilitation (Maintenance), Urban highways, Rural highways, Guidelines, Road construction, Reconstruction | Full depth reclamation (FDR) is widely recognized as a cost-effective rehabilitation method for road reconstruction, and can provide increased structural capacity when additional stabilizing agents are used. While this method has been extensively used and evaluated in the rehabilitation of county and state roads, it has received less attention as a rehabilitation alternative for urban and suburban streets. The objective of the project is to evaluate the advantages and limitations of using FDR for urban and suburban streets and to propose guidelines for implementing FDR as a rehabilitation procedure for street applications. A literature review and survey will be conducted followed by an experimental to identify the most suitable and cost effective technology to be applied to street rehabilitation. | Marcella Hartman, Mugur Turos, Debaroti Ghosh, Mihai Marasteanu |
| 3/10/2015 | March 2015 | Further Validation of ASR Testing and Approach for Formulating ASR Resistant Mix | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/further-validation-of-asr-testing-and-approach-for-formulating-asr-resistant-mix/ | Admixtures, Alkali silica reactions, Mix design, Aggregates, Fly ash, Test procedures, Concrete cylinders, Hydraulic cement | The main objectives of this project is to further validate the aggregate-solution method and the accelerated concrete cylinder testing (ACCT) and validate the approach (developed in research project 0-6656) of developing alkali silica reaction (ASR) resistant concrete mix. Developing Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) resistance mix is a combined approach of aggregate -solution testing measuring Ea (activation energy) and threshold alkalinity (THA) and concrete testing. The specific objectives are as follows: (1) Validate the usefulness of threshold alkalinity in determining alkali loading for different aggregate sources which could potentially be used to modify mix design option 7. In option 7 of Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Item 421, it is recommended that the total alkali contribution from cement in the concrete should not exceed 3.5 lbs per cubic yard of concrete when using hydraulic cement alone. With the eventual loss of Class F fly ash sources, the department needs to investigate other methods to determine potential reactivity of aggregates in terms of alkali threshold (current test methods are not appropriate for this analysis) in order to be prepared in the event Class F fly ash is no longer readily available. (2) Further validation of ACCT (testing period, expansion limits, level of alkali loadings, appropriate level of soak solution chemistry, suitable specimen dimension etc.) method - Use the TxDOT field exposure block data to calibrate the ACCT method. (3) Suitability of ACCT to test job mix. (4)Validation of the combined approach using both aggregate-solution and concrete testing for formulating ASR resistant mix. | Anol Mukhopadhyay, Kai-Wei Liu, Mostafa Jalal |
| 3/1/2014 | March 2014 | Georgia Long-Term Pavement Performance (GALTPP) Program - Maintaining Georgia's Calibration Sites and Identifying The Potential for Using MEPDG For Characterization of Non-standard Materials and Methods (Phase 1) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/georgia-long-term-pavement-performance-(galtpp)-program-?-maintaining-georgia?s-calibration-sites-and-identifying-the-potential-for-using-mepdg-for-characterization-of-non-standard-materials-and-methods-(phase-1)/ | Calibration; Data collection; Field tests; Geographic information systems; Laboratory tests; Mathematical prediction; Mechanistic-empirical pavement design; Pavement distress; Pavement performance | The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has initiated a Georgia Long-Term Pavement Performance (GALTPP) monitoring program 1) to provide data for calibrating the prediction models in the AASHTO Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) and 2) to monitor sites for evaluating the effect of various materials and methods on pavement performance. A total of 38 flexible pavement sites (17 LTPP and 21 non-LTPP) and 23 rigid pavement sites (11 LTPP and 12 non-LTPP sites) sites were selected for the MEPDG calibration and various field and laboratory testing, including condition surveys in accordance with LTPP Distress Identification Manual, Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD), etc., were conducted on the non-LTPP sites. | Yi-Ching Wu, Yichang (James) Tsai |
| 6/1/2014 | June 2014 | Grains of Gain. Roads & Bridges, Volume 52, Issue 5, 2014, pp 52-55 | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/grains-of-gain.-roads-&-bridges,-volume-52,-issue-5,-2014,-pp-52-55/ | Artificial aggregates; Concrete pavements; Evaluation; Fine aggregates; Mix design; Portland cement concrete; Proportioning; Skid resistance; Studies | Manufactured fine aggregates are a product created when rocks are crushed using a mechanical crusher. With the depletion of sources of natural sands, the usage of manufactured fine aggregates has increased. Manufactured fine aggregates have properties that differ from natural sands; for this reason, the plastic and hardened properties of concrete produced using manufactured fine aggregates differ from the properties of concrete made with natural sands. The main concrete properties affected by the usage of manufactured fine aggregates are skid resistance, workability, and finishability. The aim of this research project was to investigate how manufactured fine aggregates could be used in concrete pavements without causing workability or skid related issues. To improve the workability of concrete made with manufactured fine aggregates, the use of the optimized mixture proportioning method developed by the International Center for Aggregate Research (ICAR) was investigated. Results obtained from this testing were used to make recommendations. | Marc Rached, David W. Fowler |
| 12/1/2018 | December 2018 | Greenhouse Gas Reduction Opportunities for Local Governments: A Quantification and Prioritization Framework | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/greenhouse-gas-reduction-opportunities-for-local-governments:-a-quantification-and-prioritization-framework/ | Alternatives analysis; Climate change; Decision support systems; Economic factors; Greenhouse gases; Infrastructure; Life cycle analysis; Life cycle costing | Under Senate Bill 375, California counties and cities must develop greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets and specific actions to achieve them. Many of these Climate Action Plans (CAPs) are being updated now, and some existing CAPs reflect a lack of consistent methodology, relevant information, and data to support robust GHG reduction targets, and lack clarity on the likelihood of success or economic costs of mitigation. Local jurisdictions and agencies responsible for managing roadways and associated right of ways, parking, complete streets, and other transportation infrastructure assets and related operation and maintenance may play a crucial role in GHG reduction goals. | Alissa Kendall, John Harvey |
| 1/1/2013 | January 2013 | Ground Tire Rubber (GTR) as a Component Material in Concrete Mixtures for Paving Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/ground-tire-rubber-(gtr)-as-a-component-material-in-concrete-mixtures-for-paving-concrete/ | Tires, Mix design, Admixtures, Concrete pavements, Compressive strength, Flexural strength, Cracking, Shrinkage, Laboratory tests, Life cycle costing, Ground tires | This research was done to investigate if the problems associated with flexibility and temperature sensitivity (expansion and contraction) in roadway concrete pavements can be addressed by replacing some of the fine or coarse aggregate component with crumb rubber, specifically, Ground Tire Rubber (GTR). The research also intended to find out the general effects of adding the GTR to the conventional pavement concrete, in terms of the mechanical properties and workability, requiring several laboratory tests to be conducted as part of the study. Finally, the research was required to evaluate the practical implementation at a ready mix plant, of the proposed use of GTR as a component in the concrete. It was found from the study that the modulus of elasticity of concrete is reduced when GTR is used in concrete, thus the pavement concrete becomes more flexible. Based on the results of the tests for the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), it was not conclusive from this study, that adding GTR will significantly affect the expansion and contraction in the concrete pavement. | John O.Sobanjo, Kamal S. Tawfiq, Richard Twumasi-Boakye, Sylvester Inkoom, Sheldon Gibbs |
| 11/1/2014 | November 2014 | High Early-Strength High-Performance Concrete for Rapid Pavement Repair | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/high-early-strength-high-performance-concrete-for-rapid-pavement-repair/ | High performance concrete, State departments of transportation, Pavement performance, Mix design, Specifications, Durability, Repairing, Literature reviews | The objective of this study is to (1) review and survey the current materials, concrete mixes and procedures for rapid repair being used by different departments of transportation (DOTs) and other state highway agencies. The review/survey will include benefits, disadvantages, costs and longevity of each method. The findings of literature/survey will be used as a basis for definition of minimum strength and durability requirements of rapid repairs and selection of the most reliable methods for experimental program; (2) evaluate performance of different rapid repair methods and introduce high performance mixtures for rapid repair. Different mixtures with adequate longevity and for different opening times will be introduced to be applied in different projects. The final definition of test parameters, level of performance and costs will be provided; and (3) categorize technologies and methods available for installation, and provide a manual guidance for material specification, mix design, casting and curing of the rapid repairs. | Nader Ghafoori, Meysam Najimi, Matthew Maler |
| 1/1/2019 | January 2019 | High Performance Concrete with Post-Tensioning Shrinking Fibers | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/high-performance-concrete-with-post-tensioning-shrinking-fibers/ | Durability;ÿFiber reinforced concrete;ÿHigh performance concrete;ÿMechanical properties;ÿPolymer fibers;ÿPosttensioning | This research improves upon the technique of reinforcing concrete with dispersed fibers by having the fibers axially shrink after curing to produce a dispersed multi-axial post-tensioned state. Such reinforcing has the potential to increase the crack resistance and durability of the concrete. Preliminary benchtop testing with natural chitosan polymer fibers have confirmed the viability of the technique, where certain configurations show significant strengthening with the shrinking fibers. The proposed research would expand the knowledge base by examining larger scale chitosan samples, exploring steel and nitinol shape memory fibers that produce a similar effect, studying the underlying mechanical principles and exploring direct applicability to transportation structures. | Dryver Huston |
| 6/15/2015 | June 2015 | High-Volume Recycled Materials for Sustainable Pavement Construction | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/high-volume-recycled-materials-for-sustainable-pavement-construction/ | Concrete pavements, Recycled materials, Concrete, Infrastructure, Sustainable development, Paving, | The proposed study aims at developing sustainable concrete materials for infrastructure applications. The main objective of the proposed research project is to maximize the content of recycled materials (at least 50% of the mass of solids) in concrete pavement in an effort to reduce the overall material cost of pavement construction as well as enhancing the sustainability aspects of these operations. | Kamal H. Khayat, Seyedhamed Sadati |
| 2/1/2016 | February 2016 | Hydrologic Performance of Four Permeable Pavement Systems Constructed over Low-Permeability Soils in Northeast Ohio | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/hydrologic-performance-of-four-permeable-pavement-systems-constructed-over-low-permeability-soils-in-northeast-ohio/ | Clay soils; Drawdown (Hydraulics); Hydrology; Impervious soils; Pavement performance; Porous pavements; Runoff; Permeability (material), Stormwater management, Peak flow, Filtration, Permeability (soil), Pavement condition, Concrete pavements, Water storage | Permeable pavements benefit urban hydrology through detention of stormwater in the aggregate base and subsequent exfiltration to the underlying soil. The majority of previous research has focused on permeable pavements constructed in sandy soils and/or treating only direct rainfall. Four permeable pavements employing internal water storage (IWS) zones and situated over low-permeability soils were intensively monitored for their hydrologic performance in northern Ohio. Volume reduction varied from 16 to 53% for permeable pavements with low drawdown rates (<0.35 mm/h) and loading ratios (Watershed Area+Permeable Pavement Area divided by Permeable Pavement Area) exceeding 5∶1. Postconstruction drawdown rates were similar to saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) measured during construction, suggesting that lateral exfiltration and evaporation were relatively minor contributors to volume reduction. Stormwater was completely captured (i.e., no discharge from the permeable pavements) during 4–80% of observed storm events. Average depth of abstraction ranged from 3.0 mm (site with highest loading ratio) to 25.2 mm (site treating only direct rainfall). Substantial peak flow mitigation was observed for all rainfall events not producing surface runoff (i.e., untreated bypass). Under these conditions, peak flow was diminished by more than 80% for seven events exceeding the 1-year, 5-min design rainfall intensity for Cleveland, Ohio. Lower loading ratios, reduced surface runoff, an IWS zone, and higher underlying soil Ksat directly impacted volume reduction and peak flow mitigation. Overall, permeable pavement mitigated negative hydrologic impacts of impervious surfaces even when sited over low-conductivity clay soils. | Ryan J. Winston, Jay D. Dorsey, Alessandra P. Smolek, William F. Hunt |
| 2/28/2018 | February 2018 | Identify Best Practices in Pavement Design, Materials, Construction and Maintenance in Wet Freeze Climates Similar to Michigan | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/identify-best-practices-in-pavement-design,-materials,-construction-and-maintenance-in-wet-freeze-climates-similar-to-michigan/ | Best practices; Climate; Freezing; Literature reviews; Materials selection; Pavement design; Pavement maintenance; Pavements; Paving; Wet weather | The intent of this research is to identify best practices for pavements in wet-freeze climates. For the purposes of this report, a best practice is a procedure that has been shown by research or experience to produce improved results and that is established or proposed as a standard suitable for widespread implementation. This project identified the criteria used to determine locations around the country and the world with a similar wet-freeze climate as that of Michigan. This project documented the process of conducting the literature review, the method of analysis pertaining to the discovered information, and the organization of the report. | Zhanping You, Chris Gilbertson, Thomas Van Dam |
| 1/1/2016 | January 2016 | Impact of Curling and Warping on Concrete Pavement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/tr-668-impact-of-curling-and-warping-on-concrete-pavement-active/ | Concrete pavements; Curling; Field studies; Laser radar; Pavement performance; Portland cement concrete; Quality assurance; Quality control; Recommendations; Warpage | Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement undergoes repeated environmental load-related deflection resulting from temperature and moisture variations across the pavement depth. This phenomenon, referred to as PCC pavement curling and warping, has been known and studied since the mid-1920s. Slab curvature can be further magnified under repeated traffic loads and may ultimately lead to fatigue failures, including top-down and bottom-up transverse, longitudinal, and corner cracking. It is therefore important to measure the “true” degree of curling and warping in PCC pavements, not only for quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) purposes, but also to achieve a better understanding of its relationship to long-term pavement performance. | Halil Ceylan, Shuo Yang, Kasthurirangan Gopalakrishnan, Sunghwan Kim, Peter Taylor, Ahmad Alhasan |
| 5/15/2018 | May 2018 | Impact of Curling and Warping on Concrete Pavement: Phase 2 | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/impact-of-curling-and-warping-on-concrete-pavement-phase-2/ | Concrete pavements; Curling; Laser radar; Mix design; Pavement performance; Portland cement concrete; Warpage | The impacts of curling and warping on long-term pavement performance are not well understood. While some recent studies have pointed to a strong connection between the two, others have stated that these findings may not be as significant as first thought. At the same time, we continue to seek out more cost-effective ways of designing and constructing pavements without sacrificing performance. In order to do this, the curling and warping relationship must be better understood. Phase I by Dr. Ceylan and his research team, “Impact of Curling and Warping on Concrete Pavement” (Phase I), field investigations were performed at six identified sites in Iowa highways to better understand the curling and warping behavior of portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements in Iowa and provide recommendations to mitigate PCC curling and warping. A stationary light detection and ranging (LiDAR) device was used to scan the slab surfaces. The degree of curling and warping along longitudinal, transverse, and diagonal directions were calculated for the predetermined slabs based on the point clouds acquired using LiDAR. The results and findings were correlated to pavement performance, mix design, pavement design, and construction-related variations at each site. the curling and warping literature suggested that water absorption of coarse aggregate is one of the significant mix design variables affecting warping degree/magnitude, but little reported information currently exists on water absorption of coarse aggregate used in Iowa PCC pavements to validate this literature review finding. Thus, a more comprehensive follow-up study on the impact of curling and warping on Iowa concrete pavement is recommended. | Halil Ceylan |
| 1/1/2011 | January 2011 | Impact of Environmental Factors on Pavement Performance in the Absence of Heavy Loads | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/impact-of-environmental-factors-on-pavement-performance-in-the-absence-of-heavy-loads/ | LTPP, Pavement performance, Damage, Environmental factors, JPCP, ACP, Subgrade, SPS-8, Truck loadings, Cost allocation | The objectives of this study were to identify and quantify the effects of environmental factors and pavement design on pavement performance in the absence of heavy loads; establish what the environmental effects are and develop recommendations for mitigating these effects through effective designs, materials selection, and construction; estimate the portion of total pavement damage caused by environmental factors; and establish a database of pavement design features, materials properties, and performance to be used in the future for similar analyses. Site-by-site analyses of the Long-Term Pavement Performance program’s Specific Pavement Study (SPS)-8 sections were conducted. Next, researchers determined the effect of environmental factors in SPS-8 and companion sections from other SPSs and General Pavement Studies (GPSs) on the performance of flexible and rigid pavements. Finally, an estimate of the portion of pavement damage caused by environmental factors was made through a comparison of the pavement damage of low-traffic SPS-8 sections with higher-traffic companion SPS and GPS sections. Results showed an average of 36 and 24 percent of total damage was related to environmental factors for flexible and rigid pavements, respectively, at an age of 15 yr. | Leslie Titus-Glover, Michael I. Darter, Harold Von Quintus |
| 12/1/2018 | December 2018 | Impact of Local Calibration Using Sustainable Materials for Rigid Pavement Analysis and Design | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/impact-of-local-calibration-using-sustainable-materials-for-rigid-pavement-analysis-and-design/ | Admixtures; Concrete pavements; Fine aggregates; Mechanistic-empirical pavement design; Pavement performance; Rigid pavements; Sustainable development; Thermal properties | A catalog of locally appropriate Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (M-EPDG) inputs was developed for North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) rigid pavements using 18 concrete mixtures produced with two ordinary portland cements (OPCs), portland limestone cement (PLC), two fly ashes, and local aggregates. Equivalent mechanical and thermal performance was found between mixtures using OPC and PLC, supporting use of these sustainable cements. Tests for coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), thermal conductivity, and heat capacity revealed default values are very conservative for North Carolina use. Varying coarse aggregate type did not greatly influence performance. However, fine aggregate type (manufactured or natural sand) significantly influenced concrete thermal properties. | Tara L. Cavalline, Brett Q. Tempest, Edward H. Blanchard; Clayton D. Medlin, Rohit R. Chimmula, Clark S. Morrison |
| 7/1/2018 | July 2018 | Impact of Water/Cementitious-Based Concrete Mix Design Specification Changes on Concrete Pavement Quality | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/impact-of-water-cementitious-based-concrete-mix-design-specification-changes-on-concrete-pavement-quality/ | Admixtures; Air content; Concrete pavements; Design standards; Mix design; Pavement management systems; Permeability; Ride quality; Specifications; Water cement ratio | This research investigated the impact of MnDOT implementing a w/cm-based specification for concrete pavements. Pavement sections constructed before and after the specification implementation were examined to assess permeability, compressive strength and air-void system parameters. Pavement management system data was examined to identify changes in ride quality associated with the specification change. The results show the change to a w/cm-based specification resulted in concrete with lower permeability, higher strength, and increased air content. The ride quality for those pavements appears to be better and the rate of degradation of ride quality appears to be slower. | Lawrence Sutter, Gerard Moulzolf, Maria Masten |
| 9/1/2016 | September 2016 | Implementation of ASTM C157: Testing of Length Change of Hardened Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/implementation-of-astm-c157:-testing-of-length-change-of-hardened-concrete/ | Acceptance tests; Bridge decks; Concrete tests; Implementation; Mix design; Shrinkage | The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has a history of using tests such as concrete strength, permeability, and air void structure as design and acceptance criteria on concrete paving and bridge deck projects. In 2012, the KDOT Concrete Research group concluded a study on testing the length change of hardened concrete according to ASTM C157 (2008), commonly referred to as free shrinkage. This free shrinkage test was reviewed as a possible design or acceptance test for construction projects, primarily relating to bridge decks where even minimal cracking is detrimental. | Andrew Jenkins |
| 3/31/2015 | March 2015 | Implementation of Concrete Pavement Mixture Design and Analysis (MDA) Track of Concrete Pavement Road Map | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/implementation-of-concrete-pavement-mixture-design-and-analysis-(mda)-track-of-concrete-pavement-road-map/ | Concrete pavements; Implementation; Mix design; Specifications; Training | The work to be covered by this pooled fund addresses focused activities under the Concrete Pavement Road Map (CP Road Map) Track 1, Mix Design and Analysis. The activities are intended to meet some of the needs identified by the track. | |
| 10/19/2018 | October 2018 | Implementation of Precast Concrete Segments for Electrified Roadway | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/implementation-of-precast-concrete-segments-for-electrified-roadway/ | Precast electrified panels | A major impediment to broad public acceptance of electric vehicles is their limited travel range. An exciting potential solution to this problem is In-Motion Electric Wireless Power Transfer. This is essential for the development of connected and autonomous vehicles. Durability of the Civil-Electrical Infrastructure has been studied in recent research. The next logical step toward adoption is integration in a successful demonstration project. In order for the future adoption of this technology, roadways will need to be modified to allow the transmission of power to vehicles as they travel. Successful adoption of In-Motion Wireless Power Transfer will require advances in the efficiency of the overall electrical system, improvements in tracking of the actual vehicles, and significant developments in the civil infrastructure. This proposal will address the constructability of coils in a proposed precast system. The stringent electrical specifications will be monitored while utilized in an actual closed loop working system. | Marvin Halling |
| 05/01/15 | May 2015 | Implementation of Self-Consolidating Concrete for Prestressed Applications (Phases I & II, funded separately) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/implementation-of-self-consolidating-concrete-for-prestressed-applications-(phases-i-&-ii,-funded-separately)/ | Self-consolidating concrete; prestressed concrete; bridges | This research project consists of implementing the research previously conducted by Auburn University for ALDOT on self-consolidating concrete's application in the precast & prestressed concrete industry on an actual ALDOT project. In the demonstration project, a bridge would be constructed using girders made from SCC and conventional concrete for side-by-side comparison. Phase I of the project consisted of developing a draft special provision for the use of SCC, selecting a test bridge, evaluating new fresh property test methods from previous research, monitoring the fabrication of the girders, and monitoring the pre-erection structural performance of the girders. Phase II of the project consisted of monitoring the construction of the demonstration bridge, load testing of the bridge, monitoring in-place structural performance of the bridge, and making recommendations for the final revisions to ALDOT's SCC spec. | Samuel D. Keske, Robert W. Barnes, Anton K. Schindler, Brandon R. Johnson, Morgan A. Ellis, D. Eric Miller, Tyler L. Neal |
| 02/01/20 | February 2020 | Implementation Support for Second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2) Renewal R06E Real-Time Smoothness Measurements on Portland Cement Concrete Pavements During Construction | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/implementation-support-for-second-strategic-highway-research-program-(shrp2)-renewal-r06e-real-time-smoothness-measurements-on-portland-cement-concrete-pavements-during-construction/ | Construction, Highways, Pavements, Quality control (QC), Smoothness, Specifications, Workshops | The Second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2) R06E project, Real-Time Smoothness Measurements on Portland Cement Concrete Pavements during Construction, advanced real-time smoothness measuring technologies through unbiased field evaluations and demonstrations and the development of draft model specifications and guidelines. Furthermore, the study validated technologies designed to improve quality control and the paving process and enhanced understanding of the construction artifacts that affect smoothness. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), through the SHRP2 Solutions Implementation Assistance Program, funded additional work to continue development and implementation, with the goal to eventually achieve routine use of real-time smoothness measuring technologies by owner agencies and paving contractors. This report summarizes the implementation tasks performed in support of R06E. Tasks included developing an equipment loan program involving real-time smoothness measuring technologies, holding a showcase and conducting workshops, conducting case studies of projects that took advantage of the equipment loan program, refining the specifications developed under R06E, and engaging in a wide array of marketing and outreach activities. | Gary Fick, David Merritt, Peter Taylor, Todd Hanke, Helga Torres, Robert Rasmussen |
| 9/1/2015 | September 2015 | Implementation: Investigation of Alternative Supplementary Cementing Materials (SCMs) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/implementation:-investigation-of-alternative-supplementary-cementing-materials-(scms)/ | Admixtures; Cement; Classification; Concrete construction; Fly ash; Materials; Pozzolan; Properties of materials | Supplementary cementing materials (SCMs) provide many benefits to concrete mixtures in terms of cost, long-term strength, and durability. Class F fly ash is the most widely used SCM in Texas, but its availability is dwindling. Given the importance of Class F fly ash as a means to improve concrete durability, it is important to find alternative materials that can maintain the high quality and durability of concrete in Texas. TxDOT project 0-6717: Investigation of Alternative Supplementary Cementing Materials (SCMs), completed in August 2014, identified sources of Class F fly ash alternatives that can be used in Texas concrete and developed best practices in testing these materials. Due to their higher availability and lower cost new sources of materials present better opportunities for Class F fly ash replacement than those initially tested. Implementation of the experimental protocols developed in project 0-6717 on these new materials will enable their use in Texas concrete. The objectives of this implementation project are to: (I) procure additional Class F fly ash alternatives not tested in the original project, including natural pozzolans, industrial byproducts. and reclaimed and remediated fly ashes; (2) chemically and physically characterize the materials; (3) determine optimum dosage amounts based on workability, reactivity/strength, and durability (4) test performance in concrete mixtures; and (5) make recommendations regarding their suitability for use in Texas. The testing will follow the recommendations from project 0-6717, with attention paid in particular to workability, admixture interaction, early and long-term strength, and resistance to alkali silica reaction and sulfate attack. | Saif Al-Shmaisani, Ryan Kalina, Michael Rung, Raissa Ferron, Maria Jeunger |
| 9/1/2015 | September 2015 | Implementing Rubblization and Drainage Improvement Techniques on Severely Distressed Concrete Pavements: Technical Report | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/implementing-rubblization-and-drainage-improvement-techniques-on-severely-distressed-concrete-pavements:-technical-report/ | Comminution; Concrete pavements; Drainage; Implementation; Pavement design; Pavement distress; Pavement maintenance; Recommendations; Test sections; Workshops | Rubblization of old concrete pavement has not been widely used in Texas. In this implementation study, a review was made of Texas experience with this approach including both successes and failures. The lessons learned were incorporated into workshop materials developed as part of this study. A review was also completed on the recommended pavement evaluation procedures developed in the original 0-4687 project. These were updated and demonstrated on three sections, which are under consideration for rubblization, in the Beaumont, Dallas, and Paris Districts. The design recommendations for each are presented in this report. | Tom Scullion |
| 9/1/2016 | September 2016 | Improvement of Climate Data for Use in MEPDG Calibration and Other Pavement Analysis | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/improvement-of-climate-data-for-use-in-mepdg-calibration-and-other-pavement-analysis/ | Pavement Analyses, Climate Effects, Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG), Ground-based Weather Station (GBWS), ModernEra Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA), North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) | This study compares the predicted distresses of asphalt concrete (AC) and jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) using four different climate data sources: (1) ground-based weather station (GBWS) data, (2) the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) data, and (3 and 4) the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) versions 1 and 2 (MERRA-1 and MERRA-2) data. The results indicate that pavement performance predictions generated using these data showed disagreement among some of the climate data sources, especially for MERRA-2. Comprehensive diurnal and time-series analyses of the raw climate data found significant disagreements in the percent sunshine data. | Stephan A. Durham, Bora Cetin, Charles Schwartz, Barton Forman, Leela Sai Praveen Gopisetti |
| 8/1/2017 | August 2017 | Improving Concrete Patching Practices on Iowa Roadways TR-731 | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/improving-concrete-patching-practices-on-iowa-roadways-tr-731/ | Concrete pavements; Highway maintenance; Patching; Portland cement concrete | Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements are subject to distress from a variety of mechanisms including traffic loads, thermal movement, freezing and thawing, materials related distress, and construction issues. Standard practice for maintaining PCC pavements includes concrete patching using partial depth and full depth repairs. States spend large amounts of money and time every year performing partial and full depth repairs of PCC pavements. The performance of partial and full depth repairs is important for cost savings and safety of the roadways. | Todd Nelson |
| 12/3/2018 | December 2018 | Improving Constructability and Durability of Concrete Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/improving-constructability-and-durability-of-concrete-pavements/ | Asphalt concrete pavements; Concrete construction; Pavement design | Concrete pavements can be cost-effective as they have been reported to exhibit long service lives. Although the majority of pavements in Oregon are asphalt concrete, many interstate pavements are concrete. Performance of these concrete pavements has generally been excellent. Several pavement projects are now being designed and constructed with Portland cement concrete. To ensure long service lives and cost-effectiveness, the construction of these pavements must be straightforward and without undue challenges. The concrete mixture can have a significant influence on constructability and long-term performance and well-proportioned concrete mixtures will result in improved constructability and performance. The objective of this research is to develop performance engineered mixtures (PEM) for concrete pavements in Oregon, thereby ensuring constructability and long-term performance of these concrete pavements. It is anticipated that this research will generate sufficient data on materials and concrete mixture proportions such that draft specifications can be developed for slipform concrete paving mixtures using materials available to the Oregon construction market. | David Trejo |
| 4/1/2018 | April 2018 | Improving the Foundation Layers for Concrete Pavements: Field Assessment of Variability in Pavement Foundation Properties | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/improving-the-foundation-layers-for-concrete-pavements:-field-assessment-of-variability-in-pavement-foundation-properties/ | Concrete pavements; Field tests; Foundations; Pavement layers; Quality assurance; Quality control; Service life; Spatial analysis; Subgrade (Pavements); Design; Highways; Pavements | Non-uniform support conditions under pavements can have detrimental effects on the service life of pavements. Generally, pavement design considers the foundation as a layered medium with spatially uniform material properties and support conditions. But, soil engineering parameters generally show significant spatial variation. In this report, field testing was conducted at several pavement foundation construction sites in a dense grid pattern with relatively close spacing (i.e., < 1 m) over a small area (< 10 m x 10 m) and in a sparse sampling pattern (> 5 m apart) over a large area (> 100 m) to characterize spatial variability. Results from selected field studies were analyzed for a more in-depth analysis of spatial variability and assessment of anisotropy. The measurement parameter values assessed include elastic modulus determined from the light weight deflectometer (LWD) test, penetration index of subbase and subgrade layers using dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) test, and dry unit weight and moisture content determined from the nuclear gauge (NG) test method. Spatial variability analysis on dense gridded test sections showed that different anisotropic major directions could be expected in different test areas. Comparisons of directional semivariogram models from dense and sparse datasets from the same project are also provided in this report.The longer ranges in the sparse dataset compared to shorter ranges calculated using the dense grid dataset suggests that there is a nested structure in the data with both short and long range spatial continuity of the measured properties. In summary, the data and analysis demonstrate that spatial variability in pavement foundation layers can be quantified using semivariogram modeling, but is anisotropic and depends on test spacing. | Jia Li, David White, Pavana K.R. Vennapusa |
| 3/1/2018 | March 2018 | Influence of Aggregate and Proportions on Flowing Concrete Characteristics | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/influence-of-aggregate-and-proportions-on-flowing-concrete-characteristics/ | Air voids; Cast in place concrete; Flow; Fresh concrete; Piles (Supports); Plastic flow; Cast in drilled hole; bridge piles | Cast-in-drilled-hole (CIDH) piles are often constructed to depths that are inaccessible, and internal vibration is not performed over the length of the pile. Because of this, the likelihood of voids occurring increases. Many state highway agencies use inspection pipes to detect if voids are present along the length of the pile. High reinforcement densities and concrete void detection inspection pipes can congest CIDH piles. Although concrete void detection and reinforcement spacing are critical to ensuring adequate CIDH pile structural performance, eliminating concrete voids can also ensure expected performance. This research will assess the influence of coarse aggregate (CA) type and mixture proportions on concrete workability for CIDH pile applications. Results indicate that identifying an optimal paste volume-to-aggregate void ratio (PV/AV) can be used to proportion flowing concrete (FC) mixtures with adequate slump flow and stability. Concrete containing rounded CA achieved higher slump flow values than concrete with crushed CA at the same paste volume. However, increasing PV/AV also decreased stability. Stability was increased by increasing the FA-to-CA ratio (FA/CA). | David Trejo, Greg Hendrix |
| 1/9/2019 | January 2019 | Influence of Aggregate Gradation and Nominal Maximum Aggregate Size on the Performance Properties of OGFC Mixtures | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/influence-of-aggregate-gradation-and-nominal-maximum-aggregate-size-on-the-performance-properties-of-ogfc-mixtures/ | Aggregate gradation; Friction course; Open graded aggregates; Pavement performance; Porous pavements | The effect of aggregate gradation and nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) on the performance properties of open-graded friction courses (OGFC) mixtures was investigated in this research. Several tests which included porosity, surface texture, indirect tensile strength (ITS), shear strength, and Cantabro abrasion loss were used to compare eight different aggregate gradations having two NMAS (9.5 mm and 12.5 mm) all from one aggregate source. For each NMAS, the gradations varied by adjusting the percent passing the No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve. The results indicated that aggregate gradation does influence the behavior of OGFC mixtures. An increase in percent passing the No. 4 sieve showed significant decreases in porosity, which were more pronounced for the 12.5 mm NMAS compared with the 9.5 mm NMAS. Conversely, the increase in the percent passing the No. 4 sieve generally resulted in increases in the mixture performance properties as measured by the ITS, Cantabro loss, and shear strength. The results of this study provide laboratory-based evidence that adjusting the OGFC gradation by increasing the allowable percent passing the No. 4 sieve toward the higher end of the current specification range (e.g., near 30% for 12.5 mm NMAS) could potentially have positive effects on mixture durability while also maintaining adequate permeability for water drainage. | Haripriya Nekkanti, Bradley J. Putman, Behrooz Danish |
| 9/26/2017 | September 2017 | Influence of Concrete Mixture Parameters on Chloride Test Measurements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/influence-of-concrete-mixture-parameters-on-chloride-test-measurements/ | Admixtures; Chlorides; Coarse aggregates; Measurement | The American Concrete Institute (ACI) and most state highway agency (SHA) organizations limit the amount of chlorides in fresh concrete to lower the risk associated with corrosion of steel reinforcement. It is often required to measure the chloride concentration of concrete powder samples to ensure that the published chloride limits are not exceeded. However, the standard documents provide no information on number of samples required for chloride testing for different concrete mixtures. This study explores the influence of concrete material proportions and the admixed chloride levels on the mean and variability of the chloride test results. Results from this research indicate that the maximum size and proportion of the coarse aggregate and the admixed chloride level significantly influence the chloride test results. Based on the estimated variability of chloride measurements from this research, a method to determine the number of samples for chloride testing is presented for different concrete mixtures. | Naga Pavan Vaddey, David Trejo |
| 1/1/2012 | January 2012 | Influence of Rock Salt Impurities on Limestone Aggregate Durability | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/influence-of-rock-salt-impurities-on-limestone-aggregate-durability/ | Rock Salt, Limestone Aggregate, Aggregate Durability, Freeze-Thaw Cycles | Non-durable coarse aggregate in concrete pavement can break down under repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Application of rock salt may increase the severity of exposure conditions because of trace compounds, such as calcium sulfate, in rock salt. Concrete and saw-cut limestone specimens were also subjected to wet-dry cycles in varying salt solutions to examine the influence of trace compounds in rock salt. Subsequently, limestone aggregate in concrete was subjected to freeze-thaw cycling in two methods: salt-treating the aggregate before batching concrete, and half-immersing concrete specimens in rock salt solution during freeze-thaw cycling. | Kyle A. Riding, Jonathan Varner, Cale Armstrong |
| 6/1/2019 | June 2019 | Innovative Techniques and Materials for Preventing Concrete Shrinkage Cracking | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/innovative-techniques-and-materials-for-preventing-concrete-shrinkage-cracking/ | Admixtures;ÿCracking of concrete pavements;ÿField studies;ÿRecommendations;ÿShrinkage;ÿSpecifications;ÿTechnological innovations | The objectives of this research are: (1) To identify and measure major components of shrinkages (chemical, autogenous, and drying shrinkages) in New Jersey concretes; (2) To identify and investigate different methods most functional, practical, and effective for controlling shrinkage cracking applicable for New Jersey infrastructure concrete mixes; (3) To determine what effects the techniques and methods used to control shrinkage cracking have on other fresh and hardened concrete properties; (4) To investigate field performance of the New Jersey mixes and compare concrete mixes with different shrinkage cracking potentials and concrete mixes with and without shrinkage control methods; (5) To compare the test results and observations obtained from the lab and field investigations and provide rational recommendations for the New Jersey concrete industry to effectively control shrinkage of New Jersey infrastructure concrete; and (6) To develop guidelines and specifications for the identified new techniques and materials in as directed by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Technical Advisory Panel (TAP). | Gilson Lomboy |
| 7/1/2013 | July 2013 | In-Place Response Mechanisms of Recycled Layers Due to Temperature and Moisture Variations | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/in-place-response-mechanisms-of-recycled-layers-due-to-temperature-and-moisture-variations/ | Pavement layers, Recycled materials, Full-depth reclamation, Subbase (Pavements), Moisture content, Freeze thaw durability, Pavement design, New England | Many states have adopted the use of recycled pavement layers in highway rehabilitation. Techniques such as full depth reclamation (FDR) with or without stabilization additives, plant mix cold recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), blending RAP with unbound sub base layers and substitution of unbound sub base layers with RAP are being used effectively. However, the properties of these recycled pavement layers change significantly with variations in temperature and moisture conditions during different seasons. To obtain good performing rehabilitated pavements throughout their design lives, it is imperative to select the best combination of virgin materials, recycled materials, stabilizing additives and construction methods for a particular location. For such selection, an understanding of the in-place properties of pavement layers and their relationship to the principal pavement response mechanisms is needed. Currently, significant knowledge gaps exist regarding variations in performance related properties that result from seasonal changes in temperature and moisture content. The main objective of this research is to determine the in-place properties of pavement cross-sections containing recycled materials common to the New England region, and to relate changes in those properties to variations in temperature and moisture. The study will focus primarily on obtaining field data from base layers (as opposed to asphalt surface layers) that have been constructed with different types of unbound or bound recycled layers such as full depth reclamation (with or without stabilizing additives), plant mix recycled asphalt pavement (PMRAP), or foamed asphalt. The research team will work with the New England Transportation Consortium (NETC) advisory board members to identify appropriate field sites where the pavement design is clearly documented and where pavement performance can be linked to factors such as traffic loadings, moisture regimes and freeze-thaw effects. Laboratory testing will also be included to complement the analysis of in-place test data and instrumentation monitoring. | Jo Daniel |
| 3/1/2018 | March 2018 | Instantaneous Crack Width Calculation for Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Flexural Members | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/instantaneous-crack-width-calculation-for-steel-fiber-reinforced-concrete-flexural-members/ | Cracking; Cracking of concrete pavements; Fiber reinforced concrete; Flexure; Steel fibers; Stiffness; Highways; Materials; Pavements | A rational and simple method is presented in this paper to determine instantaneous crack widths of steel fiber-reinforced concrete members subjected to flexure. By adding fibers to concrete, the postcracking stiffness of a concrete structure can increase significantly. The model builds upon previous work conducted by the authors by considering the beneficial effect of the fibers across a crack to the tension stiffening relationship of steel fiber-reinforced concrete. The model reported herein is shown to give reliable predictions of reported experimental values. | Ali Amin, R. Ian Gilbert |
| 10/31/2018 | October 2018 | Internal Curing of Bridge Decks and Concrete Pavement to Reduce Cracking | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/internal-curing-of-bridge-decks-and-concrete-pavement-to-reduce-cracking/ | Bridge decks; Concrete; Cracking | Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has been successfully managing 12,000 total centerline miles of highway system and 5,293 state-owned bridges. The 2016 data shows 98.1 percent of the backbone system and 79.2 percent of the non-backbone system in fair and above condition. Currently 96.9 percent of State owned or maintained bridges have a good rating or fair rating1. Even though the condition of majority transportation system in Wisconsin is in fair or above condition, WisDOT has struggled to control cracking on bridge deck and concrete pavement in our High-Performance Concrete (HPC) and conventional concrete bridge (Grade A) construction projects (Standard Specification Sec. 501 and Sec. 415). Higher strength, lower water to cement ratio (w/c) concrete has been promoted for over 20 years due to the desire for increased strength and reduced permeability. | Jose Pacheco |
| 2/1/2014 | February 2014 | Internal Curing of High-Performance Concrete Using Lightweight Aggregates and Other Techniques | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/internal-curing-of-high-performance-concrete-using-lightweight-aggregates-and-other-techniques.--/ | Concrete curing; Freeze thaw durability; High performance concrete; Lightweight aggregates; Mix design | Internally cured concrete has been rapidly emerging over the last decade as an effective way to improve the performance of concrete. Internal curing (IC) holds promise for producing concrete with an increased resistance to early-age cracking and enhanced durability (Bentz and Weiss, 2011). IC is a simple and effective way to cure concrete. Proper internal curing supplies water that is necessary to relieve stress buildup due to self-desiccation. Typically this is done using pre-wetted lightweight aggregates (LWAs), as this is the most commercially available application at the present time. IC has shown reduced autogenous and drying shrinkage cracking, improved fluid absorption resistance, improved compressive strength, and reduced ion diffusion. It is becoming increasingly clear that internal curing has great potential for the concrete industry to create a longer lasting, more sustainable product. This report specifically examines the freeze-thaw resistance of internally cured concrete. It is shown that internally cured concrete, using the recommended mixture proportions (i.e., pre-wetted fine LWAs to replace only the water lost due to chemical shrinkage) is freeze-thaw resistant. Internal curing has shown, as outlined in this report, to be a simple and cost-effective way to create longer lasting, more durable concrete. The initial cost of a bridge deck concrete can increase in price anywhere from 3 to 10 $/yd3. However, this percentage when compared with the cost of a bridge is typically negligible, especially when considering an increased service life and reduced maintenance cost. Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) can benefit from this research by applying what has been presented in this study to create longer lasting, more durable bridge decks. | Wesley A. Jones, Mitch W. House, W. Jason Weiss |
| 7/15/2016 | July 2016 | Internal Curing of Pervious Concrete Using Lightweight Aggregates | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/internal-curing-of-pervious-concrete-using-lightweight-aggregates/ | Concrete curing; Curing agents; Durability; Lightweight aggregates; Pavement maintenance; Porous materials; Porous pavements; Pervious concrete; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; Pavements | Pervious concrete is an important stormwater management technique for the urban environment. Surface raveling is the single most common distress caused primarily by plastic drying and paste shrinkage. Internal curing is one mechanism to provide additional moisture to elevate internal humidity and reduce shrinkage and is most commonly provided through prewetted lightweight aggregates (PLWA). This study evaluated how fine PLWA influence properties when used to completely replace the small portion of conventional fine aggregate present in pervious concrete. Samples were placed at a fixed void content to not confounded results with changes in density. Strength, degree of hydration, shrinkage, and freeze–thaw testing all showed substantial improvements over the control mixture, strongly suggesting that internal curing become routine for pervious concrete. | John T. Kevern, Qiwei C. Nowasell |
| 1/1/2014 | January 2014 | Internally Cured Concrete for Pavement and Bridge Deck Applications | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/internally-cured-concrete-for-pavement-and-bridge-deck-applications/ | Aggregates, bridge decks, concrete curing, concrete pavements, field tests, laboratory tests, lightweight materials | The objective of this project is to conduct a laboratory and field testing program to evaluate performance and usability of internally cured concrete using lightweight aggregates for bridge decks and pavements under Florida conditions. | Mang Tia, Thanachart Subgranon, Kukjoo Kim, Andrea Medina Rodriguez, Abdullah Algazlan |
| 4/1/2017 | April 2017 | Investigating Frost Heave Deterioration at Pavement Joint Locations | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/investigating-frost-heave-deterioration-at-pavement-joint-locations/ | Base course (Pavements); Concrete pavements; Foundation engineering; Freeze thaw durability; Frost heaving; Geosynthetics; Geotextiles; Moisture content; Pavement layers | Frost heave of foundation materials causes severe joint deterioration in concrete pavements. Sufficient freezing depth, continuous water supply, and frost susceptible geomaterials are the three necessary factors leading to frost heave. To investigate the frost actions of deteriorated pavements with frost heaves at joint locations, the longitudinal pavement surface profiles were plotted by measuring vertical heaves crossing transverse joints. Specimens were cored to determine the moisture conditions at different layers. Ice lenses were found at layer interfaces, and frozen base layers with low permeability contributed to trapping water within joint spaces. Another objective of this study was to determine the local freeze-thaw conditions in pavements. Temperature sensors were installed during the reconstruction to estimate the frost penetration depths, lengths of freezing and thawing periods, and number of freeze-thaw cycles at different depths. Up to 1.1 m frost penetration depth was found, and it showed various lengths of freezing periods. The last objective was to evaluate the frost-heave and thaw-weakening susceptibility of the reconstructed foundation materials. Results indicated that all three geomaterials were medium frost-heave susceptible, and the soft subgrade showed high thaw-weakening susceptibility. | Yang Zhang, David J. White, Pavana K. R. Vennapusa, Alex E. Johnson, Maxim M. Prokudin |
| 2/1/2019 | February 2019 | Investigation and Evaluation of Iowa Department of Transportation Bridge Deck Epoxy Injection Process | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/investigation-and-evaluation-of-iowa-department-of-transportation-bridge-deck-epoxy-injection-process/ | Bridge decks; Concrete overlays; Delamination; Service life; Specifications | Since the 1970s, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has used concrete overlays as a means of restoring its bridge decks and, as a result, the service life of the deck is commonly extended many years. This procedure has proven to be both effective and economically attractive. Despite that, concrete overlays cannot be considered a permanent repair as they are subjected to harsh conditions, similar to the original bridge decks. As time passes, the overlays often become delaminated from the original deck at or near the bond interface, leading to cracking and the intrusion of water and chloride ions, which accelerate the deterioration. A preservation solution involving the injection of epoxy resin into the cracks and voids has been developed and this solution has been implemented with success across Iowa. Even so, the length of additional service life and the most effective methods and materials of injection remain unknown. | Terry J. Wipf, Brent Phares, Justin M. Dahlberg, Ping Lu |
| 4/1/2019 | April 2019 | Investigation into enhancing and evaluating curing efficiency of joints in concrete pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/investigation-into-enhancing-and-evaluating-curing-efficiency-of-joints-in-concrete-pavements/ | Concrete curing; Concrete pavements; Durability; Microstructure; Pavement joints; Test sections | Signs of premature deterioration of concrete pavements are often indicated by shadowing, resulting from a network of micro-cracks in the vicinity of joints, which causes significant loss of material over time. In Canada, the construction sequence of concrete pavements typically involves continuous casting, applying curing compound and subsequently saw-cutting, which may compromise the durability of joints, due to insufficient curing and uncontrolled evaporation. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of overfilling joints with curing compound immediately after saw-cutting (early- and late-cuts) on improving the quality of concrete microstructure at joint regions in laboratory slabs and trial field sections. The study involved an absorption test customised to the joint geometry of pavements, mercury intrusion porosimetry and microscopy tests that were conducted on cores. The results indicated that overfilling the joints with curing compound immediately after late saw-cutting significantly improved the microstructure and durability of joint zones. | Mohammad Tiznobaik, Mohamed T. Bassuoni |
| 12/31/15 | December 2015 | Investigation of Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement Deterioration at Joints and the Potential Contribution of Deicing Chemicals | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/investigation-of-jointed-plain-concrete-pavement-deterioration-at-joints-and-the-potential-contribution-of-deicing-chemicals/ | Concrete pavements; Deicing chemicals; Deterioration; Life cycle costing; Pavement joints; Service life | The objectives of this research project are to: (1) determine the causes of anomalous concrete joint deterioration nationwide; (2) quantify any contributions to joint deterioration due to deicing chemicals and develop estimates of service reduction and life cycle costs; and (3) develop recommendations based on research results for minimizing future joint deterioration on both existing pavements and new construction including possible repair methodologies and specification modifications. | Lawrence Sutter, Peter Taylor, Jan Olek, Jason Weiss |
| 09/30/15 | September 2015 | Investigation of Optimized Graded Concrete for Oklahoma - Phase 2 | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/investigation-of-optimized-graded-concrete-for-oklahoma---phase-2/ | Admixtures, Coarse aggregates, Cracking, Durability tests, Oklahoma, Optimization, Shrinkage, Workability | Oklahoma has started to implement "optimized graded concrete". These concrete mixtures are designed to use less cement, and proportionately more aggregate with a more optimized and continuous distribution of aggregate sizes. This allows a concrete mixture to achieve increased workability and strength through using less mortar (sand, cement and water). Cement is the most expensive ingredient in concrete, the largest contributor to the carbon footprint, and can also lead to increased cracking through shrinkage. Both the initial cost and long term performance of concrete would benefit from the reduction of cement content in concrete mixtures. The primary focus of this research will be to investigate the interplay between gradation and mortar content in a concrete mixture and how that impacts the necessary performance requirements for structural concrete: workability, strength, and durability. In addition the research team will also be available to work with any contractors that are implementing optimized graded concrete in the field. This is an important step in the validation of the research completed in the laboratory and is essential to the implementation of this new approach. Finally, the team will work with ODOT to create a new specification that will help implement optimized graded concrete for structural concrete in the state of Oklahoma. | Marllon D. Cook, J. Nick Seader, M. Tyler Ley, Bruce W. Russell |
| 09/15/19 | September 2019 | Investigation of Physical and Dynamic Properties of High Porous Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/investigation-of-physical-and-dynamic-properties-of-high-porous-concrete/ | Concrete, Education and training, Mix design, Pavement design, Porous materials, Porous pavements | Highly porous concrete is a promising new technology that can be applied to avoid flooding on pavements, parking lots, and highways. The concrete mixture design allows this material to be highly porous (up to 30% in air voids) and permeable that allows water penetrate through the pavement during heavy rain periods. This would help to increase safety and reduce the number of accidents during harsh weather conditions. Hence, this study will investigate and design samples with different grain sizes and chemical composition to optimize the mechanical, physical, and dynamic properties of the material to use in Louisiana's climate conditions. In addition, this research study is designed to engage Baton Rouge Community College students to develop research skills and use basic engineering principles to solve real-world problems associated with improving the durability and safety of local transportation infrastructure. | Ildar Akhmadullin, Marwa Hassan |
| 7/1/2017 | July 2017 | Investigation of Quality Control/Quality Assurance Data to Review Current Specifications for Portland Cement Concrete Pavement Acceptance in Kansas | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/investigation-of-quality-control-quality-assurance-data-to-review-current-specifications-for-portland-cement-concrete-pavement-acceptance-in-kansas/ | Compliance; Compressive strength; Concrete pavements; Quality assurance; Quality control; Road construction; Specifications; Thickness | Quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) attributes of highway construction must be measured and achieved throughout each project. Statistical specifications are commonly used to ensure compliance of QC and QA attributes, and attribute data must be reviewed periodically to improve specifications for agencies and contractors. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) typically considers concrete compressive strength and slab thickness to be QC attributes for portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements. | Shuvo Islam, Xingdong Wu, Mustaque Hossain |
| 12/15/2016 | December 2016 | Investigation of the Relationship Between Formation Factor and Water Content of Fresh Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/investigation-of-the-relationship-between-formation-factor-and-water-content-of-fresh-concrete/ | Admixtures; Concrete; Durability; Moisture content; Quality assurance; Quality control; Service life | Each year approximately 10 billion tons of concrete is produced, making concrete the largest manufactured product globally. The majority of this production is in the form of ready mix concrete. There are about 5,500 ready mixed concrete plants and about 55,000 ready mixed concrete mixer trucks that deliver concrete to points of placement. The quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) of this large operation have major economic, social and environmental implications. Current protocols for assessing the quality of fresh concrete during construction do not provide information on critical parameters that are related to long-term durability of structures. Compressive strength tests are typically performed weeks after the placement of concrete, and they do not provide adequate information about the future performance of structures in terms of their durability because they mainly check if the desired mechanical properties are satisfied. Therefore, there is a need for improved and practical QC/QA protocols to (1) confirm that the fresh concrete delivered to the construction site is the concrete that is specified and ordered, and (2) ensure that the delivered fresh concrete mixture will satisfy the performance specifications for long-term durability. Formation factor of concrete is a unique parameter that can satisfy both needs. Formation factor of concrete is directly related to critical performance indicators such as water-to-cementitious material ratio or porosity of concrete and provide information about both durability and mechanical performance of structures during their service life. The main objective of this research is to investigate the relationship between the formation factor and water content of fresh ordinary portland cement concrete. This research will establish the groundwork for the future development of an in-situ measurement device for measuring formation factor of fresh concrete mixtures at job sites for improved QC and QA protocols. These protocols will provide significant improvements in the quality of the concrete used in transportation structures. | O. Burkan Isgor, Hossein Sallehi, Pouri Ghods |
| 10/11/2018 | October 2018 | Laboratory Assessment of Nine Methods for Nondestructive Evaluation of Concrete Bridge Decks with Overlays | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/laboratory-assessment-of-nine-methods-for-nondestructive-evaluation-of-concrete-bridge-decks-with-overlays/ | NDE overlay; Bridge decks; NDE methods | Overlay systems have been extensively used to extend the service life of concrete bridge decks. There is, however, a lack of systematic studies on nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of concrete bridge decks with various overlays. This study assesses nine NDE methods for evaluation of concrete bridge decks with seven different types of overlays through laboratory concrete specimens. The nine NDE methods are sounding, ultrasonic surface waves (USW), impact echo (IE), ultrasonic testing (UT), impulse response (IR), ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electrical resistivity (ER), half-cell potential (HCP), and infrared thermography (IRT). The seven types of overlays are epoxy, latex modified concrete, silica fume modified concrete, polyester polymer, asphalt with a liquid membrane, asphalt with a sheet membrane, and asphalt without a membrane. Eight concrete specimens with various defects were built and nondestructively evaluated to acquire the detailed information of all embedded defects before placing overlays. One concrete specimen was kept bare as a reference, and the other seven specimens were covered with seven different overlays, respectively. Half of each overlay was bonded to the underlying concrete specimens, whereas the other half was debonded. NDE tests were carried out on the top of overlays. | Shibin Lin, Dewei Meng, Hajin Choi, Sadegh Shams, Hoda Azari |
| 06/24/15 | June 2015 | Laboratory Evaluation of 100% Fly Ash Cementitious Systems Containing Ekkomaxx | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/laboratory-evaluation-of-100-fly-ash-cementitious-systems-containing-ekkomaxx/ | Laboratory tests, Fly ash, Concrete, Cementitious Materials, Concrete hardening, Fresh concrete | The objectives of this research are to fully characterize the concrete containing Ekkomaxx for fresh and hardened properties, determine the first, second, and third level interactions and determine all main effects. From the results a specification may be developed for the use of Ekkomaxx products in the Louisiana Department of Transportation (LADOTD) projects. | Bill King |
| 6/1/2018 | June 2018 | Laboratory Evaluation of Corrosion Resistance of Various Metallic Dowel Bars | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/laboratory-evaluation-of-corrosion-resistance-of-various-metallic-dowel-bars/ | Chlorides; Concrete pavements; Corrosion; Corrosion resistance; Corrosion tests; Dowel bar retrofit; Epoxy coatings; Laboratory studies; Stainless steel; Zinc coatings | This report presents corrosion study findings related to corrosion resistance of eight types of metallic dowel bars.The best corrosion performance was achieved by type 316L solid stainless steel (SS) dowel bars. . As expected, the worst corrosion performance was observed with the uncoated carbon steel dowel bars. Most of them produced the corrosion-induced concrete cracks. The hot-dip galvanized and zinc-clad dowel bars are classified as the second worst performance group. Even though the zinc-coating layers performed well as the sacrificial cathodic protection systems for the bare steel exposed at the artificial defect sites, the consumption rates of the zinc mass were too excessive, leading to the premature depletion of the zinc layers in the areas with elevated chloride concentration. Therefore, these zinc-based dowel bars are recommended only for infrequently salted roadways and mild service conditions. For major roadways, where repairs and/or traffic disruption are not feasible, high grades of solid SS dowel bars are recommended, even though this means very high initial costs. Considering the unavailability of the SC bars and the good performance of EC dowel bars at a much lower price, it is recommended that high-quality EC dowel bars be continuously used in the majority of the major roadways subject to heavy deicing salts provided that damage touchups and stringent quality assurance/quality control practices are implemented in the field to minimize initial coating defects until they are buried in concrete. | Seung-Kyoung Lee |
| 02/28/15 | February 2015 | Laboratory Fatigue Evaluation of Continuously Fiber Reinforced Concrete Pavement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/laboratory-fatigue-evaluation-of-continuously-fiber-reinforced-concrete-pavement/ | Continuously reinforced concrete pavements, Fiber reinforced concrete, Fibers, Load tests, Failure, Pavement performance, Mechanics, Hardness | This study presents the first approach to develop a new concrete pavement structure reinforced only with fibers. This research will identify probable combinations of fibers (dosage and length combinations) that will adequately perform repeated load fatigue tests. While fibers and high dosage fiber combinations have been previously used in concrete, these combinations have never before been use in a Department of Transportation (DOT) pavement structure. The major difference between previous applications and the current objective is number and level of load applications. The fundamental objective of this research is to determine how Continuously Fiber Reinforced Concrete Pavements (CFRCPs) behave under highway-type loading. The specific objectives of this study are to characterize the fresh and hardened properties of CFRCP concrete, determine the comparative fatigue resistance of different fibers and differing fiber blends and dosage rates, perform a detailed economic analysis of all pavement types through a cost-benefit analysis and provide recommendations for future research, including full scale loading and possible field implementation sites. | Matthew Mulheron, John T. Kevern, Tyson D. Rupnow |
| 9/1/2016 | September 2016 | Laboratory Investigation of the Use of Volcanic Ash in Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/laboratory-investigation-of-the-use-of-volcanic-ash-in-concrete/ | Admixtures; Bleeding (Pavements); Durability; Evaluation; Laboratory tests; Materials tests; Permeability; Volcanic ash | Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are commonly used in Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) concrete pavements and bridge decks to improve strength and permeability characteristics. The supplementary cementitious materials allowed under current KDOT specifications are all by-products of industrial processes. Volcanic ash is a natural product that has been used as a mineral admixture in concrete. The purpose of this study was to evaluate Kansas sources of volcanic ash for use in concrete as an SCM. This report will discuss all three stages of the study: material testing of the volcanic ash, testing the cementitious properties of Kansas volcanic ash, and evaluating the effects of volcanic ash on the properties of concrete such as strength and permeability. | Jennifer Distlehorst, Andrew Jenkins |
| 01/01/15 | January 2015 | Laboratory Study of Optimized Concrete Pavement Mixtures | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/laboratory-study-of-optimized-concrete-pavement-mixtures/ | mix proportion | This project will evaluate the feasibility of expanding current specifications in sustainable concrete paving applications with the goal of producing guidelines for optimized concrete mix design. This study will provide WisDOT with information on the beneficial use of sustainable, blended cementitious systems capable of improving concrete performance. The specifications of new pavement mixtures can provide WisDOT with savings that include more cost-effective designs, more effective use of materials, and overall longer pavement life. | Konstantin Sobolev, Mohamadreza Moini, Steve Cramer, Ismael Flores-Vivian, Scott Muzenski, Rani Pradoto, Ahmed Fahim, Le Pham, Marina Kozhukhova |
| 6/1/2013 | June 2013 | Laser Scanning Aggregates for Real-Time Property Identification | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/laser-scanning-aggregates-for-real-time-property-identification/ | Lasers, Technological innovations, Aggregates, Literature reviews, Properties of materials, Training, Laboratory tests, Implementation | The objectives of this research proposal have been divided into two phases to address the major issues of concern. Phase I includes a thorough literature review and assessment of laser technology to be utilized for real-time characterization of aggregate properties in the laboratory, while Phase II addresses field implementation and training of personnel. | Beena Sukumaran, Ravi Ramachandran, Michael I. Lim |
| 3/1/2018 | March 2018 | Life-Cycle Cost Analysis for Traditional and Permeable Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/life-cycle-cost-analysis-for-traditional-and-permeable-pavements/ | Hot mix asphalt; Life cycle costing; Pavement maintenance; Paving; Permeability; Porous pavements; Portland cement concrete; Finance; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; Pavements; | Cost is an important factor for owners and communities when considering the selection of pavement types for parking lots and sidewalks. Sustainabilty has also become an important factor. Permeable pavements, which have been shown to be more sustainable than traditional pavement types, are an attractive option given their advantages of reducing rainwater runoff, recharging ground water, and reducing the costs associated with treating storm water. A comprehensive study was conducted to analyze and compare the life-cycle costs of two conventional impermeable pavements (hot-mix asphalt and portland cement concrete) and two permeable pavements (porous asphalt and pervious concrete). The study analyzed the alternatives in 20-year, 30-year, and 40-year analysis periods. In addition to initial construction and maintenance costs, stormwater treatment costs were included in the life cycle cost analysis for all alternatives in areas that have combined sewer and storm systems. The results show that hot mix asphalt has the lowest initial construction costs, while permeable pavements are considerably more economical than impermeable pavements in terms of maintenance costs. If stormwater treatment costs are accounted for, permeable pavements are more economical for 20-year and 30-year period analysis. In the 40-year analysis period, portland cement concrete is the most economical followed by porous asphalt, hot-mix asphalt, and then pervious concrete. | Talal Rehan, Yan Qi, Anne Werner |
| 10/1/2014 | October 2014 | Load Rating on Bibb Graves Concrete Arch Bridge | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/load-rating-on-bibb-graves-concrete-arch-bridge/ | bridge load rating, historic bridges, concrete arch bridge | This project serves to determine the bridge load rating of the historic Bibb Graves Bridge. Several spans of the bridge are affected by ASR. Previous research projects have attempted to remediate the problem, to no avail. | Travis H. Le J.. Michael Stallings |
| 3/1/2013 | March 2013 | Long -Life Slab Replacement Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/long--life-slab-replacement-concrete/ | Concrete, cracking, rehabilitation, maintenance, service life, slabs | The objectives of this project are to (1) identify the factors or parameters contribuitng to the cracking of concrete replace slabs on FDOT projects and (2) recommend changes to FDOT specifications and/or procedures that will minimize the occurrence of cracking of concrete used for Florida DOT slab replacement projects. | Abla Zayed, Kyle Riding, Christopher C. Ferraro, Andre Bien-Aime, Natallia Shanahan, Daniel Buidens, Thomas Meagher, Victor Tran, Justin D. Henika, Jerry M. Paris, Caitlin M. Tibbetts, Benjamin E. Watts |
| 02/01/20 | February 2020 | Long Term Performance of Overlays: Thin Epoxy Overlay vs. Traditional Rigid Overlay | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/long-term-performance-of-overlays:-thin-epoxy-overlay-vs.-traditional-rigid-overlay/ | Bond strength (Materials); Bridge decks; Chloride content; Epoxy coatings; Evaluation and assessment; Laboratory tests; Overlays (Pavements); Pavement performance; Service life | The objectives of the project included: (1) evaluate the bond strengths of two types of overlays (i.e. thin epoxy overlay and LSDC overlay) and investigate the change in bond strength over time with on-site testing; (2) understand the long term performance of epoxy overlays and rigid overlays via accelerated lab testing; (3) investigate how existing chloride that has been sealed in a deck by an epoxy overlay migrates and how that might relate or contribute to additional deck deterioration; (4) identify factors that affect the initial and long term performance of overlays; and 5) estimate the expected service life for these two types of overlays. The following tasks were performed for this work. These tasks were developed to allow for the evaluation of the performance of epoxy overlays compared to the performance of LSDC overlays using both on-site and lab testing. Task 1. information collection: collect needed information on bridges to be tested. Task 2. field testing: on-site pull-off testing and visual inspection. Task 3. laboratory testing: accelerated freeze-thaw and salt treatment lab testing. Task 4. reporting. | Ping Lu, Katelyn Freeseman, Yuxiang Tan, Kejin Wang |
| 7/1/2013 | July 2013 | Longer Lasting Bridge Deck Overlays | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/longer-lasting-bridge-deck-overlays/ | Bridge decks, Service life, State of the art, Repairing, Durability tests, | The objectives of this project are to research the current state-of-the-art practices for bridge deck repair and overlay; identify specific bridge decks within Kentucky which have achieved extended life and evaluate the materials/processes that were utilized; identify products that may appear more durable for bridge deck overlay projects within the same geographic region as Kentucky; and develop guidance for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in selecting appropriate bridge deck replacement technologies. | David Hunsucker, Kean HAshurst Jr,, Brad W. Rister, David Allen, Eileen Grady |
| 12/1/2017 | December 2017 | Magnetic Tomography - Assessing Tie Bar and Dowel Bar Placement Accuracy | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/magnetic-tomography-?-assessing-tie-bar-and-dowel-bar-placement-accuracy/ | Accuracy; Location; Reinforced concrete pavements; Reinforcing bars; Road construction; Tie bars | The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) constructs portland cement concrete pavements (PCCP) for new highway expansions and/or for replacement of existing highway pavement using slip-form paving operations. Typical concrete pavement construction in Kansas requires reinforcing steel across the joints. Correct placement of reinforcing steel in the PCCP is critical for good performance and long life of highways. However, once immersed in the concrete paste, steel placement is difficult to measure with nondestructive methods. Sometimes the steel bars are inserted (placed) using automated equipment. If the insertion process isn’t accurate, such that the steel bars are mislocated, costly remedial action can be required. | Cliff Hobson |
| 3/1/2017 | March 2017 | Magnetized Water Effect on Compressive Strength and Dosage of Superplasticizers and Water in Self-Compacting Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/magnetized-water-effect-on-compressive-strength-and-dosage-of-superplasticizers-and-water-in-self-compacting-concrete/ | Compressive strength; Magnetic materials; Self compacting concrete; Superplasticizers; Water; Water cement ratio; Highways; Materials; Pavements; | The use of self-compacting concrete (SCC) has been established; however, novel methods for optimizing and providing suitable workability are still developing. The effect of magnetized water on SCC, by keeping the dosage of superplasticizer constant and reducing the ratio of water-to-cement, was investigated. Results showed a 10% decrease in the amount of water required and a 12% increase in compressive strength. Moreover, the effect of magnetized water on the dosage of superplasticizer in SCC, for making a specific spread diameter (600±10 mm) was studied. Results indicated that use of magnetized water in self-compacting concrete can reduce superplasticizer dosage by up 30%. | Amirsalar R. Esfahani, Mohammad Reisi, Benjamin Mohr |
| 8/31/2018 | August 2018 | Material Constituents and Proportioning for Roller-Compacted Concrete Mechanical Properties | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/material-constituents-and-proportioning-for-roller-compacted-concrete-mechanical-properties/ | Coarse aggregates; Compressive strength; Fracture mechanics; Materials; Mechanical properties; Mix design; Portland cement concrete; Roller compacted concrete; Roller compacted concrete pavements | Roller-compacted concrete (RCC) is increasingly becoming an alternative pavement type because of its construction expediency, reductions in material and construction costs, sustainability benefits, and overall structural capacity. Current RCC pavement mix design procedures select mix constituents and proportions based on strength requirements, workability, and field density. Discrepancies in mechanical properties are known to exist between field and laboratory compacted specimens. In order to move toward designing and constructing performance-based RCC mixtures—the effects of various mixture constituents, proportions, and compaction methods must be quantified. The gap between laboratory and field properties must be minimized as well. A wide range of RCC aggregate gradations were batched, tested, and found to impact RCC properties—especially compressive strength. | Jeffrey R. LaHucik, Jeffery R, Roesler |
| 12/29/2017 | December 2017 | Measurement of entrained air-void parameters in Portland cement concrete using micro X-ray computed tomography | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/measurement-of-entrained-air-void-parameters-in-portland-cement-concrete-using-micro-x-ray-computed-tomography/ | Air content; Air entrained concrete; Air voids; Concrete pavements; Freeze thaw durability; Image processing; X-ray computed tomography Highways; Materials; Pavements | The entrained air-void system in concrete is closely related to freeze-thaw durability in concrete pavements or other structures. For either research or forensic purposes, reliable and economical methods for the quantification of entrained air are desirable. This study explores the potential of using micro X-ray computed tomography (μCT) to measure entrained air-void parameters in concrete. A series of small cores (6 mm dia.) were retrieved from larger (100-mm-dia.) cores from two different concrete pavements, representing both adequate and marginal air contents, and scanned at a resolution of 7.5 μm/pixel. A systematic procedure based on image processing is proposed to address practical difficulties such as void/solid thresholding, air-type discernment (entrained air-voids vs. voids in aggregate) and the separation of bubbles within close proximity to each other (e.g. clustered air-voids). Air content and specific surface were measured directly from the three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed X-ray images, while values for paste content were derived from manual point counts performed on two-dimensional (2D) slices obtained from the 3D images. The derived values for air content, specific surface and paste content were used to calculate Powers’ spacing factor. To assess the issue of local fluctuations of material constituents and the limited dimensions of the small cores, uncertainty associated with the sample volume of concrete under measurement was also estimated. Based on the results in this study with regard to the work involved in sample preparation, data analysis and uncertainty bounds, μCT has been found to be a viable option for measurement of spacing factor and specific surface, but due to limitations imposed by the dimensions of the sample size (6-mm-dia. cores), the method is not appropriate for bulk air content determination. | Haizhu Lu, Karl Peterson, Oleksiy Chernoloz |
| 3/1/2018 | March 2018 | Mechanical and Durability Properties of Concrete Produced with Treated Recycled Concrete Aggregate | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/mechanical-and-durability-properties-of-concrete-produced-with-treated-recycled-concrete-aggregate/ | Admixtures; Concrete aggregates; Durability; Mechanical properties; Mortar; Recycled materials; Recycled concrete aggregate; Highways; Materials; Pavements | The presence of attached mortar is the main reason for lower quality of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) compared to that of natural aggregate. Hence, its use is limited up to 30% replacement of natural aggregate at present. The attached mortar of the RCA can be removed by mechanical treatment, acid treatment, thermal treatment (500 to 750°C [932 to 1382°F]), and microwave treatment. There are difficulties—such as achieving high temperature and treating larger quantities of RCA with acid and a microwave oven—in applying these treatments at field level. Hence, the present study focuses on a combination of heating (250°C [482°F]) and mechanical treatment to improve the quality of the RCA. This method removed 70 to 80% of attached mortar of the RCA. Properties of RCA such as bulk density, specific gravity, water absorption, and crushing value were discussed in detail. Post-treatment, it was observed that the properties of treated RCA improved compared to untreated RCA, but still they were found to be poorer than natural aggregate. The experimental studies were carried out to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the recycled aggregate concrete by incorporation of mineral admixtures. It was found that the use of mineral admixtures in concrete produced with treated RCA enhances both the mechanical and durability properties. Thus, the concrete produced with treated RCA and mineral admixture will lead to sustainable development. | V. Bhasya, B. H. Bharatkumar |
| 6/15/2016 | June 2016 | Mechanical Integrity and Sustainability of Pre-stressed Concrete Bridge Girders Repaired by Epoxy Injection - Phase I | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/mechanical-integrity-and-sustainability-of-pre-stressed-concrete-bridge-girders-repaired-by-epoxy-injection---phase-i/ | Cracking; Epoxy resins; Girders; Life cycle analysis; Mechanical properties; Prestressed concrete bridges; Simulation; Sustainable development | The project objectives are to: (1) Explain in which conditions the strength of cracked concrete can be recovered by epoxy injection; (2) Design the injection method for optimal mechanical performance; (3) Interpret mechanical tests performed on cracked and repaired pre-stressed concrete beams; (4) Assess the mechanical integrity of pre-stressed bridge girders for a variety of crack and injection patterns; (5) Predict the mechanical behavior of repaired concrete in the long-term, under typical loading and weathering conditions; (6) Simulate the life cycle of a typical pre-stressed girder; (7) Assess the sustainability of pre-stressed concrete bridge girders repaired by epoxy injection. | Chloe Arson, Koochul Ji |
| 3/15/2018 | March 2018 | Mitigating Pavement Reflective Cracking Using A Ductile Concrete Interlayer | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/mitigating-pavement-reflective-cracking-using-a-ductile-concrete-interlayer/ | Fatigue (Mechanics); Fiber reinforced concrete; Load tests; Pavement components; Pavement interlayers; Reflection cracking; Repairing | Overlays are constructed over existing pavement structures as a repair measure. When an overlay is placed on an existing pavement, under thermal, shrinkage or traffic induced loadings, cracking of the overlay often takes place at locations where there are joints or cracks in the underlying pavement due to stress concentration. This phenomenon is known as reflective cracking. Reflective cracking in the overlay allows water to penetrate the pavement structure and contributes to many forms of pavement deterioration, including increased roughness, spalling and decreased fatigue life. Therefore, to achieve an effective and durable pavement repair using overlay system, reflective cracking needs to be suppressed. A ductile high-performance fiber reinforced concrete (HPFRC) interlayer is proposed in this research to mitigate the reflective cracking problem in pavement overlays. It is hypothesized that by adding a thin layer of highly ductile HPFRC material between the existing pavement and overlay, reflective cracking can be arrested by the ductile interlayer. | Qian Zhang, Mohammad Khattak |
| 1/12/2019 | January 2019 | Mitigation of Differential Settlement at Highway Bridge Approaches | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/mitigation-of-differential-settlement-at-highway-bridge-approaches/ | Bridge approaches; Geotechnical engineering; Highway bridges; Safety; Settlement (Structures); State departments of transportation | Differential settlement in the transition zone between the bridge structure and the approach embankment often creates a "bump" which is a potential safety hazard and comfort issue for drivers. Studies conducted by departments of transportation (DOTs) around the country suggest that about 25 percent of the 600,000 bridges in the US are affected by bridge approach settlement, or the "bump at the end of the bridge." The settlements can result in unsafe driving conditions, rider discomfort, structural deterioration of bridges and long-term maintenance costs. Identifying additional geotechnical or structural means to mitigate this issue, which may or may not be employed in conjunction with preloading, is of benefit to many State DOTs. | Steven Bartlett |
| 5/1/2018 | May 2018 | MnPAVE-Rigid 2.0 | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/mnpave-rigid-2.0/ | Concrete pavements; Mechanistic-empirical pavement design; Rigid pavements; Software | This project implemented additional features into MnPAVE-Rigid, leading to a new version of MnDOT’s rigid pavement design software. The database of American Association of State Highway Transportation Officers (AASHTO) mechanistic-empirical (M-E) pavement design projects was expanded to account for additional design inputs. A new codebase using the Java scripting language was developed to provide MnDOT with direct control over the software. The representation of traffic loads was expanded to use design lane factors and an axle load spectra estimator to reflect truck proportions from MnDOT traffic reports; in turn, new reliability criteria were adopted for traffic volumes. The project effort included sensitivity studies of the AASHTO M-E software for all stages of the project, from investigating new design inputs, to debugging the original damage calculation, validating the database of AASHTO M-E projects, and testing the implementation of new features. The project is fully documented in this final report, which includes a software user’s guide, the database of all AASHTO M-E design projects, and the full Java source code. | Derek Tompkins |
| 1/10/2017 | January 2017 | Modelling the Evolution of Strength and Modulus of Cementitiously Stabilised Materials for Different Curing Conditions | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/modelling-the-evolution-of-strength-and-modulus-of-cementitiously-stabilised-materials-for-different-curing-conditions/ | Cement; Compressive strength; Concrete curing; Modulus of rupture; Stabilized materials; Stiffness; Strength of materials; Tensile strength | The strength and modulus of cementitiously stabilised materials (CSM) are important in pavement design and analysis. This study presents tests and models that can predict the growth of strength and stiffness of CSM under varying conditions. Specimens of nine different mixtures were tested to evaluate the strength gain after curing from 3 to 360 days under 100% relative humidity (RH) at 20°C (the so-called standard condition) using unconfined compressive strength (UCS), modulus of rupture (MOR), and indirect tensile (IDT) strength tests. Additional IDT specimens were prepared from 3 to 56 days of curing at various RH values and temperatures (the so-called variable conditions) for tensile strength and modulus growth. Using the laboratory results, a strength growth model was developed to predict the UCS, MOR, and IDT strength under the standard condition. Also, the IDT strength and modulus models were developed to predict the IDT strength and modulus under the variable conditions. | Jingan Wang, Xiaojun Li, Haifang Wen, Balasingam Muhunthan |
| 8/7/2018 | August 2018 | Moisture Detection of Stored Rapid-Setting Cementitious Materials | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/moisture-detection-of-stored-rapid-setting-cementitious-materials/ | Airport runways; Moisture damage; Monitoring; Cement composites; Materials storage; Moisture sensors; Rapid setting patch materials | Storage of airfield damage repair (ADR) materials on site is essential for rapid repair operations. However, ADR materials may have limited shelf lives and are prone to degradation in the presence of moisture. This study investigated methods of storage to reduce moisture damage and to monitor moisture present in ADR materials. Various techniques were evaluated to reduce moisture in storage containers, and Super Sacks® of materials were installed with sensors to monitor moisture. Two common ADR materials, Rapid Set Concrete Mix® and Utility Fill 1-Step 750®, were included in the testing procedure. Two different sensors were tested for monitoring moisture: a standard soil moisture probe and an engineered Radio Frequency Identification Reader (RFID) moisture detector. Absorpole desiccants were found to be the most beneficial of the techniques tested in reducing humidity and removing water from the storage container. The RFID moisture detector was found to be able to detect moisture events better than the soil moisture sensor, which was unable to detect moisture events even when stored outside. Recommendations for future storage conditions and monitoring are provided. This study demonstrates the capability of moisture monitoring in cementitious material Super Sacks and provides groundwork for further optimization of storage protocols. | Jameson Shannon, William D. Carruth, Gregory J. Norwood, Harold T. Carr |
| 8/25/2017 | August 2017 | National Road Research Alliance: A Research Study on Partial and Full Depth Repairs of Concrete at MnROAD | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/national-road-research-alliance:-a-research-study-on-partial-and-full-depth-repairs-of-concrete-at-mnroad/ | Concrete; Maintenance | The National Road Research Alliance (NRRA) is a pooled fund that will help direct and compliment the use of the MnROAD test track for local, regional and national research, tech transfer and implementation needs. This project will study partial and full depth repairs of concrete at MnROAD. | Terry Kraemer |
| 6/1/2016 | June 2016 | New Methodology for Evaluating Incompatibility of Concrete Mixes in Laboratory: A Feasibility Study | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/new-methodology-for-evaluating-incompatibility-of-concrete-mixes-in-laboratory:-a-feasibility-study/ | Admixtures; Aggregates; Concrete mixers; Feasibility analysis; Recycled materials; Shrinkage; Water cement ratio | The current specifications encourage the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and as much as possible recycled materials in portland cement concrete. The use of SCMs, especially along with low water-to-cementitious material ratio, low total cementitious material content and cements with a low C3A content and low alkali, can produce some incompatibility in the paste due to the fact that they are not optimized for sulfate content when used with SCMs, or that have anhydrite or hemi-hydrate as the main sulfate source. This situation can create a concrete mixture that is sensitive to changes in ambient temperature, admixture dosage, cement and SCM properties, creating problems in the curing process, developing some early cracking, and compromising the performance of the structure. The following five factors are considered as the most significant factors contributing to the stability of the mixes: (1) type of cement, (2) type of chemical admixture, (3) dosage of chemical admixture, (4) type of SCMs, and (5) testing temperature. A study is proposed to develop an easy to use, relatively inexpensive laboratory test and equipment to determine potential concrete mixture incompatibilities among the aggregates and the above five parameters. The proposed equipment is a miniaturized free-free resonant column (FFRC, ASTM C215) device that has been used by many agencies with success. We have prototyped a fully-automated computer-controlled FFRC device that at user-defined time intervals collects data without the need for a technician. The computer used for this device, can also be readily used to gather temperature measurements from thermocouples. Therefore, the proposed test setup can collect the shear and compression wave velocities as well as the thermal maturity of the material up to an age of 72 hours. It will also utilize a thermal and/or digital imaging processes to estimate the patterns of heat dissipation and shrinkage of the concrete during curing. The proposed device will be assembled and tested for accuracy and precession and will be tested with a number of mixed with different levels of SCM and cement content, among other factors, to establish the feasibility of the system. | Soheil Nazarian |
| 1/1/2014 | January 2014 | Nitrogen Dioxide Sequestration Using Demolished Concrete and Its Potential Application in Transportation Infrastructure Development | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/nitrogen-dioxide-sequestration-using-demolished-concrete-and-its-potential-application-in-transportation-infrastructure-development/ | Sustainable development, Infrastructure, Nitrogen dioxide, Demolition, Crushed aggregates, Volatile organic compounds, Wastes, Concrete, Environmental impacts | Achieving environmental sustainability of the United States (US) transportation infrastructure via more environmentally sound construction is not a trivial task. This proposal, which addresses this critical area (Focus Area 3), is aiming at transforming concrete, the material of choice for many transportation projects, into less environmentally harmful and better performing component of the US infrastructure. This will be extremely relevant to construction of pavements, bridges, tunnels, airports, marine installations and other transportation projects. Simultaneously, the project will address one of the most pressing public health issues, such as NO? emissions from cement kilns, by developing new applications of crushed concrete aggregates (CCA), which are already contributing to resource conservation and elimination of solid waste disposal issues. NO? emissions can cause various environmental and health problems. They contribute to the formation of acid rain, atmospheric particles, and various other toxic substances resulting in health problems, visibility reduction, eutrification and global warming. One of the most prevalent problems with NO? emissions is the formation of ground level ozone, which is produced by NO? (NO+NO?) reacting with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and CO in the presences of sunlight. Ground level ozone can damage lung tissue and reduce lung function. It is a significant problem nationwide as millions of Americans live in areas that do not meet the health standards for ozone. Among many sources of NO? emissions cement kilns are very significant contributors. They emit over 219,000 tons/year of NO?, which amounts to approximately 20% of all industrial emissions. High temperatures reached in cement kilns are favorable for NO? emissions and cannot be avoided. | Alexander Orlov |
| 4/11/2018 | April 2018 | Numerical Simulation of the Initial Particle Parking Structure of Cement/Geopolymer Paste and the Dissolution of Amorphous Silica using Real-Shape Particles | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/numerical-simulation-of-the-initial-particle-parking-structure-of-cement-geopolymer-paste-and-the-dissolution-of-amorphous-silica-using-real-shape-particles/ | Anm material model ; irregular shape particles; cement/geopolymer pastes. | Many particle-based numerical models have been used to simulate the hydration process of cementitious materials. Most of those models employ regular shape particles, like the commonly used spheres, to represent cement, slag, or fly ash, which neglects the influence of particle shape. To deal with this issue, this study extended the Anm material model and used irregular shape particles to simulate the initial particle parking structures of cement/geopolymer pastes. The irregular shapes of cement, slag and fly ash particles were characterized by spherical harmonic series. Compared to the initial particle structures simulated using spherical particles, those using irregular shape particles had total surface areas and bulk specific surface areas with up to 37.40% and 36.84% larger, respectively. However, the pore size distributions of the simulated initial particle structures did not show significant influence of particle shape. As a demonstration to illustrate the influence of particle shape on dissolution, the initial particle parking structure of amorphous silica in alkaline solution was generated using irregular shape particles, and was used as input to simulate the dissolution of silica particles. The Lattice Boltzmann method was used to simulate the transport process of aqueous ions and thermodynamics was employed to consider the rate of dissolution of silica. The dissolved fractions of silica at different temperatures in the simulations agreed well with experimental measurements. The influences of continuous stirring, concentration of alkali and particle shape on the dissolution kinetics of silica were investigated numerically. | Yibing Zuo, Zhiwei Qian, Edward J. Garboczi, Guang Ye |
| 6/1/2019 | June 2019 | Optimization of Advanced Cementitious Material for Bridge Deck Overlays and Upgrade, Including Shotcrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/optimization-of-advanced-cementitious-material-for-bridge-deck-overlays-and-upgrade,-including-shotcrete/ | Bridge Decks; Cement;ÿLiterature reviews; Mathematical models; Optimization;ÿ Overlays (Pavements);ÿ Rehabilitation (Maintenance);ÿ Shotcrete;ÿUltra high performance concrete | Deterioration of bridge decks is a major issue for bridge owners. The need for cost-effective and durable rehabilitation methods has been documented by many researchers. The primary causes of deck deterioration include vehicle traffic, environmental effects (i.e. freeze-thaw, salt spray), and maintenance practices (snow plows, de-icing chemical treatments). Deterioration is featured by delamination, cracking, corrosion of reinforcing steel, abrasion, scaling, and other mechanisms. Ultra-High strength concrete (UHPC) overlays are gaining in popularity as a rehabilitation material due to the high compressive strength, higher tensile capacity compared to normal strength concrete, low permeability, and low shrinkage. | Islam Mantawy |
| 3/1/2019 | March 2019 | Optimized Performance of UHPC Bridge Joints and Overlays | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/optimized-performance-of-uhpc-bridge-joints-and-overlays/ | Bridges;ÿJoints (Engineering);ÿLaboratory tests;ÿMix design;ÿOptimization;ÿOverlays (Pavements);ÿUltra high performance concrete | The objective of this research is to capitalize on the existing knowledge and literature by compiling various ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) mix design strategies and establishing empirical composition-property relationships that can be used to develop UHPC mixtures for expansion joints and overlays with optimum durability and structural performance. In addition, the research team will address a critical knowledge gap of linking formulation and rheology of UHPC mixtures with different fiber types, which allow designing highly flowable mixtures. The resulting optimum UHPC mixtures will be laboratory tested and further improved. Potential impact on the state of practice could be significant by promoting the use of low-cost non-proprietary UHPC to extend the life of concrete bridges, and by familiarizing the industry and transportation agencies in the region with this valuable technology. | Paramita Mondal, Farshad Rajabipour |
| 9/10/2018 | September 2018 | Passive Wireless Sensors for Monitoring Behavior of Recycled Aggregate Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/passive-wireless-sensors-for-monitoring-behavior-of-recycled-aggregate-concrete/ | Accuracy; Concrete aggregates; Data collection; Feasibility analysis; Radio frequency identification; Recycled materials; Sensors; Strain measurement; Structural health monitoring; Temperature measurement | This project studied the feasibility of applying new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology – particularly passive tag technology – to infrastructure projects that incorporate recycled concrete aggregates. The goals were to advance the technology for passive RFID wireless system for embedment in concrete to monitor the behavior of the material under loading, and other structural health monitoring scenarios. RFID tabs with temperature and strain measurement were studied, and the performance constraints that affect data logging were assessed. When RFID tags are embedded into concrete, the attenuation of the electromagnetic wave through concrete is correlated with the embedment depth, moisture content, concrete density, and aggregate mineralogy. The study considered these and other variables that affect passive RFID systems and suggest an approximate equation to estimate the attenuation. The project assessed the accuracy and data logging rates to validate the strain readings from passive RFID systems with other independent instruments. The early age monitoring of recycled aggregate concrete will be conducted with the RFID system. This project is a precursor to a field test at O’Hare International Airport to demonstrate the survivability of RFID systems for real-world operation in aggressive weather conditions. | David Lange |
| 1/1/2015 | January 2015 | Pavement Recycling: Shrinkage Crack Mitigation in Cement-Treated Pavement Layers - Phase 1 Laboratory Testing | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/pavement-recycling-shrinkage-crack-mitigation-in-cement-treated-pavement-layers-phase-1-laboratory-testing/ | Cracking; Falling weight deflectometers; Field tests; Full-depth reclamation; Laboratory tests; Microcracking; Pavement design; Pavement performance; Rehabilitation (Maintenance); Stiffness; Structural tests | The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has been using full-depth reclamation (FDR) as a rehabilitation strategy since 2001. Most projects to date have used a combination of foamed asphalt and portland cement as the stabilizing agent. Recently though, the fluctuating and at times high cost of asphalt binder coupled with the relatively complex mix-design procedure for mixes that include foamed asphalt has generated interest in the use of portland cement alone as an alternative stabilizing agent. However, shrinkage cracking associated with the hydration and curing of the cement-treated layers remains a concern, especially with regard to crack reflection through asphalt concrete surfacings and the related problems caused by water ingress. | S. Louw, D. Jones |
| 7/29/2014 | July 2014 | Pavement Thickness Variation versus Observed Pavement Distress | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/pavement-thickness-variation-versus-observed-pavement-distress/ | Pavement distress, Nondestructive tests, Thickness, Portland cement concrete, Quality assurance, Quality control, Pavement layers, Statistical analysis, Minnesota, | Recent developments in non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies show a great potential for assessing thickness variation in concrete pavements and identification of subsurface damage. These technologies and associated evaluation methods - particularly MIRA ultrasonic tomography and 3D Radar step frequency ground penetrating radar - have immediate implications that can assist Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) engineers in quality assurance/quality assessments (QA/QC) assessments. However, additional value from thickness variation measurements can be captured if they are completed in a way that provides insight to the causes of pavement failures. This type of evaluation could lead to the development of guidelines for more economical and long lasting pavement solutions. In the proposed study, comprehensive thickness variability assessment on several existing portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements prior to rehabilitation will be conducted and compared to observed surface distress maps. Statistical analysis will be performed to determine correlations between key pavement components and observed distresses. Factors such as overall thickness deficiencies, significant thickness variation, and large variation in base layer properties will be considered. In addition, an evaluation of similar parameters in newly constructed pavements and comparison with existing pavement results will help in identifying the need, if any, for improved QA/QC construction protocols with regard to pavement thickness. | Lev Khazanovich, Kyle Hoegh, Randal Barnes, Ryan Conway, Lucio Salles |
| 02/01/15 | February 2015 | Performance and Design of Bridge Approach Panels in Wisconsin | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/performance-and-design-of-bridge-approach-panels-in-wisconsin/ | bridge approach | This research is aimed to improve constructability and performance of approach slabs in Wisconsin and to determine if three expansion joints are needed or the newer design method will result in better performance. The objective is achieved by completing a national state-of-the-practice review, comparing the results of that review to current WisDOT practice, conducting a detailed on-site information collection campaign, and engineering-based reporting. The results of this research will develop a better understanding of the field performance of approach panels and recommended design changes including new standard design drawings, specifications, and construction/material manual changes that lead to improvements in performance, cost, and constructability of approach panels. | Brent Phares, Justin Dahlberg |
| 05/31/19 | May 2019 | Performance and Load Response of Rigid Pavement Systems | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/performance-and-load-response-of-rigid-pavement-systems-/ | Life cycle costing; Load factor; Pavement design; Pavement performance; Portland cement concrete; Rigid pavements; Sensitivity analysis | Pavement design techniques have advanced to incorporate modern technology and scientific-based models to improve pavement construction, performance, maintenance, and rehabilitation. The reliability of these models depends upon input data gathered in the field via pavement instrumentation. There is a demonstrated lack of rigid pavement instrumentation and experimental field data nationally, leading to a shortage of pavement field data required to examine, model, and simulate the interaction of pavement components in the field (such as pavement base material, slab, tie bar, etc.). In order to rely upon more scientific-based models to improve pavement systems (and ultimately reduce pavement life-cycle costs), more data is required to refine existing and new pavement performance models. Perhaps the most commonly used and popularly accepted model-based, modern approach to highway design is embodied in the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG), which incorporates models embedded in dedicated software (such as AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design) to predict pavement performance in greater detail than prior predictive models. Such dedicated software incorporates scientific data such as material mechanics, climate data, axle-load spectra, and other factors. Full implementation of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design by state departments of transportation (DOTs) requires customization or calibration/validation of the software for variables and pavement conditions at state and local levels. This in turn requires the collection of region-specific field data on climate, material properties, load response, and pavement performance for use in calibration and implementation of the software. Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design software uses these data inputs to more accurately simulate the load response of pavements and long-term pavement performance. Local calibration of the software involves comparing long-term performance simulation results to actual performance data at local sites (if possible) or from matching pavements in the Federal Highway Administration Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) database. Several numerical models are available to predict pavement performance, and these models are an effective tool to predict the likelihood of pavement damage and longevity. These numerical models also enable improvements in road design methods, whether for new or rehabilitated pavements, that will help mitigate the problems of load-induced damage. However, most of these models have not been calibrated against actual field data obtained under realistic conditions. To enhance the effectiveness of these models and to assist in their application, instrumented test sections of pavement can be monitored and data gathered to monitor performance factors (such as soil pressure, pavement temperature, strains and deflections caused by daily changes in temperature within the pavement, along with air temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, solar radiation, and precipitation). The pavement construction process can also be monitored, and the materials used in the pavement can be tested in the laboratory or in the field (using non-destructive testing) to ascertain material property information. As pavement systems are highly nonlinear in their responses to loads and load related strains, field data collected via instrumentation helps indicate which parameters need to be emphasized in the models to describe pavement performance and response to conditions. Data from the laboratory tests (or from non-destructive field testing) is input to the model to predict the road response. The predicted response is then compared to the measured response. A sensitivity analysis also helps determine which parameters should be adjusted to best fit actual conditions. Also the LTPP database can be used for calibration in addition to data related to material properties, traffic data, and pavement performance data provided by other DOTs. In the long term, the calibrated model is used in conjunction with existing Mechanistic-Empirical design models and Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design software to improve the design method. The data can be put into a format directly useful to designers and engineers. Since 2001, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has significantly invested in instrumenting test pavement sections to acquire local data to improve calibration of Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design software. The instrumented field pavements in New York include Interstate 490, Interstate 90, and Interstate 86. The installed sensors are still functioning to an extent that permits data collection of additional useful scientific information, and I-490 is providing high-quality data that will positively impact future design, construction, and maintenance of roads. As NYSDOT progresses in its adoption of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design approach, the test sections it has invested in over the past decade will play a key role in the validation of that approach. In addition to collecting load response data, it will be possible to assess the long-term performance of these pavements. (Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design requires both.) An extended study will verify that the performance benefit is maintained in the long term and that these designs will save money in the long run. Additionally, on I-86, three different concrete pavement rehabilitation techniques were tested previously, with some differences in the performance. Extended study will provide a definitive conclusion of which method provides the best performance and is the most economical. Several states previously have conducted projects using instrumentation in pavement test sections to collect pavement performance data. In addition to the three I-86 sections instrumented to measure deflection, strain, and temperature in order to study different techniques of portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement rehabilitation, additional sections on I-490 and two sections on I-90 are being used to measure the effects of varying base types. Other states such as Ohio, Minnesota, and Delaware, among others, have instrumented concrete sections to collect data which can be used for analysis. The sharing of data from multiple DOTs and geographic regions (via resources such as the LTPP database) adds significant value to pavement performance modeling tools and to the body of scientific knowledge; this pooled approach among multiple sources/DOTs also offers a more efficient and economical manner than on an individual basis. The objectives of this study include: (1) Collecting load response and performance data and environmental monitoring at selected test pavements for four years. (2) Installing new instrumented sections as needed for a better understanding of rigid pavement response, including monitoring for the duration of the project. (3) Determining the impact of a base and other components (such as dowel bars, tie bars, etc.) on long-term performance of rigid pavement utilizing the data acquired and other nationally available data on the topic. (4) Documentation of the processes, procedures, and findings. (5) Finalization of the rigid pavement design catalog with local validation and calibration of mechanistic-empirical models. | Shad Sargand, Tom Cackler |
| 1/1/2013 | January 2013 | Performance Determination of Precast Concrete Slabs Used for the Repair of Rigid Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/performance-determination-of-precast-concrete-slabs-used-for-the-repair-of-rigid-pavements.--/ | Degradation (Thermodynamics); Performance tests; Portland cement concrete; Precast concrete; Rehabilitation (Maintenance); Rigid pavements; Temperature | The primary objective of this research is to determine the effect of temperature variation on the mechanical performance of the severely damaged rigid pavements repaired using precast portland cement concrete (PCC) slabs. The secondary objective will be to study the synergistic impact of load induced and temperature induced stresses on the mechanical performance of the repaired sections. This objective will be achieved through subjecting the precast panels to accelerated field loading to monitor the decay of performance at certain load intervals. Additionally, the project will calibrate the current generation of the performance model based on the collected field data. Measured field data and calculated pavement responses will be used to develop performance degradation plots for each permutation of the experiment design. These performance plots provide a valuable resource for field practitioners to efficiently and economically select the best available combination of repair technique and leveling material with respect to climatic data. | Reza S. Ashtiani, Gabriel de Haro |
| 10/1/2017 | October 2017 | Performance-Engineered Concrete Paving Mixtures | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/performance-engineered-concrete-paving-mixtures/ | Admixtures; Concrete pavements; Field tests; Implementation; Pavement performance; Specifications; Training programs | The objective of this study is to focus on the successful deployment of performance engineered mixtures. This will involve building off the foundational work that Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the "PEM Champion States" have done, with emphasis on implementation, education and training, adjusting the specification values to relate accurately to good pavement performance in the field, and continued development of relating early age concrete properties to performance. | Peter Taylor |
| 5/21/2018 | May 2018 | Performance Evaluation, Material and Specification Development for Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) Reinforcing Bars Embedded in Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/performance-evaluation,-material-and-specification-development-for-basalt-fiber-reinforced-polymer-(bfrp)-reinforcing-bars-embedded-in-concrete/ | Basalt; Durability; Fiber reinforced concrete; Fiber reinforced polymers; Reinforcing bars; Specifications | The objective of this project is to complement existing fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) rebar specifications and to identify non-corrosive basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) rebar technologies for concrete reinforcement with suitable surface enhancements for the construction of durable and resilient infrastructure in Florida. | Raphael Kampmann, Michelle Roddenberry, Fransico De Caso |
| 8/15/2014 | August 2014 | Performance Monitoring of Preservation Treatments in Honolulu | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/performance-monitoring-of-preservation-treatments-in-honolulu/ | Sealing compounds, Cracking, Slurry seals, Preservation, Tension, Surface treating, Rheometers, Pavement performance, Honolulu (Hawaii), | This project will monitor the performance of different preservation treatments in Honolulu, Hawaii. The condition of the treated and control sections will be surveyed prior to the treatment application and then regularly at intervals between 3 and 4 months with the goal of quantifying the benefits of pavement preservation (PP). The treatments considered are fog seal, slurry seal, asphalt seal coat treatments currently available in Honolulu, thin lift overlay, and crack sealing. In addition, pavement temperature with depth will be monitored on one section to validate whether moduli may increase with depth for the Honolulu environment; a situation that is believed to result in high tensile strains near the surface of the pavement and thus affect the performance of pavement preservation treatments. Finally, the materials used for pavement preservation will be tested in the laboratory. Specifically, binders (including emulsion residues) will be tested with a Dynamic Shear Rheometer and a Viscometer, the Wet Track Abrasion will be used for slurry seals, and several performance tests will be carried out for thin lift overlay. The test results will be used to help in writing guidelines and potentially help explaining any unexpected behavior of the treatments. | Adrian Archilla |
| 09/01/17 | September 2017 | Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Self-Consolidating Concrete for Repair of Bridge Sub-Structures and Fiber-Reinforced Super-Workable Concrete for Infrastructure Construction | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/performance-of-fiber-reinforced-self-consolidating-concrete-for-repair-of-bridge-sub-structures-and-fiber-reinforced-super-workable-concrete-for-infrastructure-construction/ | Bridge substructures; Cast in place structures; Cracking; Feasibility analysis; Fiber reinforced concrete; Fibers; Flexural strength; Repairing; Self compacting concrete; Shrinkage | The proposed study seeks to investigate key engineering and structural properties of FR-SCC and fiber-reinforced super workable concrete (FR-SWC) for infrastructure repair and construction. FR-SCC is targeted for repair of sub-structure elements, while the FR-SWC is targeted for construction operations. The FR-SWC requires some consolidation and can be used in less congested structural elements where this consolidation with SCC or FR-SCC is not required. The FR-SWC is easier to produce than FR-SCC and is more cost-effective for use in infrastructure construction. | Kamal H. Khayat, Ahmed Abdelrazik |
| 9/1/2018 | September 2018 | Performance of Synthetic Fiber-Reinforced Concrete with Adapted Rheology | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/performance-of-synthetic-fiber-reinforced-concrete-with-adapted-rheology/ | Admixtures; Corrosion resistance; Cracking; Durability; Fiber reinforced concrete; Optimization; Rheology; Shrinkage; Synthetic fibers; Tensile strength | The main objectives of this project can be summarized as follows: (1) Optimize the SRA-fiber system of SCC and SWC mixtures to achieve superior performance, including properties, autogenous shrinkage, restrained shrinkage, mechanical properties (tensile and compressive strength), frost durability, and transport properties. The investigation will include the Eclipse 4500 SRA, or equivalent, and two types of synthetic fibers (i.e., STRUX and SINTA from GCP). (2) Evaluate the effect of rheological properties of fiber alignment along the casting-flow direction of structural elements. The rheological properties of concrete will be modified using a viscosity modified admixture (VMA), such as V-MAR from GCP. The incorporation of VMA can improve the stability of the concrete mixture and distribution of the fibers. (3) Investigate the corrosion resistance of reinforcing bars in pre-cracked FR-SCC and FR-SWC mixtures. The cracking will be controlled to achieve different widths for mixtures with different fibers. The transport properties of the concrete matrix will also be investigated. (4) Evaluate the enhancement in tensile/flexural toughness and shrinkage/crack resistance of FRC made with partially replacement of the steel reinforcement in flexural members with different types of and combinations of the STRUX and SINTA fibers. | Kamal Khayat |
| 6/8/2019 | June 2019 | Performance Specifications Implementation Guide | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/performance-specifications-implementation-guide/ | Asphalt mixtures;ÿ Concrete;ÿGuidelines;ÿImpacts;ÿImplementation;ÿ Performance measurement;ÿ Quality assurance; ÿSpecifications;ÿ Test procedures | Many public transportation agencies are in the process of implementing some type of performance specifications for asphalt mix and concrete. Reasons for doing so include a desire to improve long-term durability, encourage contractor innovation, better align design requirements with construction, and to have rational pay adjustments tied to predicted project life. Ongoing initiatives such as Balanced Mix Designs for asphalt mixes and Performance Engineered Concrete Mixes lend themselves to a performance specification approach by introducing higher level test methods that are intended to be more directly related to material performance than current methods. Introduction of these test methods and mix design criteria will have a major impact on existing quality assurance programs. Agencies will need to make informed decisions regarding applicability of new tests to process control and quality assurance. Lot and sublot sizes may need to be adjusted to account for test time and complexity. Quantity of material obtained for testing may need to be increased. | Edward Harrigan |
| 10/1/2016 | October 2016 | Permeability Reduction of Restrained Concrete in a Chloride-Rich Environment | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/permeability-reduction-of-restrained-concrete-in-a-chloride-rich-environment/ | Admixtures; Bridge decks; Chloride content; Permeability; Portland cement concrete; Test procedures | Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is now requiring waterproofing (permeability reducing) admixtures in bridge deck overlays in an effort to improve the long-term performance of bridges. These admixtures reportedly reduce permeability of concrete by plugging pores and capillaries throughout the entire mass of concrete. These admixtures react with water and cement hydration by-products to either formulate coalescing polymer globules or crystalline structures that seal pores, capillary tracts and micro cracks in hardened concrete. This makes hardened concrete less permeable to water and chemicals that corrode the reinforcing steel and create costly repairs. While some manufacturers note that these chemicals exceed performance requirements of industry standards such as ASTM C494 Type S, limited data is provided to document their performance in a bridge deck. Bridge structures create a restrained system for concrete shrinkage and many Mississippi bridges are exposed to chloride ions when salt is broadcast on the decks in winter months. This laboratory study will use testing equipment and chloride ion exposure to simulate these field conditions. Data compiled from this study will provide MDOT Engineers with information needed to verify that ordinary portland cement (OPC) or portland limestone cement (PLC) combined with these admixtures will reduce the permeability of portland cement concrete (PCC) in bridges. | Robert Varner |
| 2/1/2019 | February 2019 | Permeable Pavement in Northern North American Urban Areas: Research Review and Knowledge Gaps | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/permeable-pavement-in-northern-north-american-urban-areas:-research-review-and-knowledge-gaps/ | Permeable interlocking concrete pavers; Permeable pavements; Pervious concrete; Research needs | A majority of existing permeable pavement installations are related to parking lots and commercial areas with low speeds and light traffic loads. During the past two decades, a tremendous amount of progress has been made with regard to the application of permeable pavements regarding mix design, hydrologic design, water quality assessment and maintenance requirements. Review of the literature revealed, however, that there are still many important questions that must be answered before permeable pavements can be fully integrated in urban roads, especially in highways with high speeds and loads. This paper summarises the major research progress in the above listed areas and identifies research needs. Research needs are summarised under four topics: (1) structural and materials property, (2) hydrologic performance, (3) water quality and (4) maintenance. Research needs are further organised based on their immediate, short-term and long-term impact. | Peter Weiss, Masoud Kayhanian, John Gulliver, Lev Khazanovich |
| 4/1/2016 | April 2016 | Pervious Concrete Parking Strips | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/pervious-concrete-parking-strips/ | Pervious concrete, pervious pavement, permeable pavement, storm water management, parking strips | Pervious concrete parking strips were constructed adjacent to SR 203 through the urban core of Monroe, Washington. The parking strips will be monitored over a period of five years to measure performance with respect to infiltration capacity, service life, and any possible negative effects on the adjacent lanes of SR 203. A final report will be issued summarizing the performance of the parking strips at the end of the period. | Keith W. Anderson, Mark Russell, Jeff S. Uhlmeyer, Jim Gardner |
| 09/01/16 | September 2016 | Pervious PCC | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/pervious-pcc/ | pervious concrete, porous concrete overlay | Study on full-depth and pervious concrete pavements and a thin porous concrete overlay. | Bernard Izevbekhai. Alexandra Akkari |
| 05/31/14 | May 2014 | Phase II Evaluation of Waste Concrete Road Materials for Use in Oyster Aquaculture - Field Test | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/phase-ii-evaluation-of-waste-concrete-road-materials-for-use-in-oyster-aquaculture---field-test/ | Waste products, Concrete aggregates, Recycled materials, Field tests, Aquaculture, Thickness, Chesapeake Bay | The overall objective of this project was to determine the suitability of waste concrete from road projects as bottom conditioning material for on bottom oyster aquaculture in the Chesapeake Bay. The objectives for Phase 2 are to: (1) evaluate the potential introduction of organisms attracted to the reclaimed concrete aggregate (RCA) pile that may be potential predators of oyster spat; and (2) determine potential impacts or disruptions in the use of traditional harvesting gear on aquaculture areas conditioned with RCA. As appropriate, recommendations of thickness of native shell overburden will be provided to mitigate any identified impacts. | Chunlei Fan, Kelton L. Clark |
| 1/1/2019 | January 2019 | Polyester Polymer Concrete Overlay | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/polyester-polymer-concrete-overlay/ | Polyester polymer concrete, PPC, rut filling, studded tire wear mitigation, concrete pavement wear | Polyester polymer concrete (PPC) was used in a trial application as a possible repair strategy on a section of concrete pavement that suffered from extensive studded tire wear. The PPC was applied in three methods; (1) as a 1 inch thick inlay of the entire lane that was diamond ground to remove all rutting from studded tire wear, (2) as an inlay of just the wheel paths that were diamond ground, and (3) as a feathered overlay of the existing pavement which had no diamond grinding to remove rutting. | Keith W. Anderson, Jeff S. Uhlmeyer, Mark Russell, Chad Simonson, Kevin Littleton, Dan McKernan, Jim Weston |
| 1/15/2016 | January 2016 | Portland Cement Concrete Material Characterization for Pavement ME Design Implementation in Idaho | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/portland-cement-concrete-material-characterization-for-pavement-me-design-implementation-in-idaho/ | Cost effectiveness; Databases; Materials tests; Mechanical properties; Mechanistic-empirical pavement design; Portland cement concrete; Shrinkage; Tensile properties | This project will develop a database with Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) materials characterization data necessary for Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) use of American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Ware (AASHTOWare) Pavement Mechanistic-Empirical (Me) Design for PCC pavement design. This will be accomplished by characterizing materials used in PCC pavement by the Idaho Transportation Department. Types and proportions for main constituents of concrete paving mixtures across Idaho will be identified. Material from suppliers throughout the state will be gathered and tested for drying shrinkage, mechanical properties and indirect split tensile. A PCC-Me Database will be developed using the material testing results. The implementation of the new Pavement Me Design Guide will provide more economical pavement structures saving Idaho money. | Somayeh Nassiri, Milena Rangelov, Ahmed Ibrahim, Fouad Bayomy, Ahmed Muftah, Bikash Sigdel |
| 7/1/2018 | July 2018 | Precast Concrete Deck-to-Girder Connection Using UHPC | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/precast-concrete-deck-to-girder-connection-using-uhpc/ | Bridge decks; Girders; Panels; Precast concrete; Shear reinforcement; Structural analysis; Structural connection; Ultra high performance concrete | The method used in Nebraska for connecting precast concrete deck panels to concrete girders to create composite section is extending shear connectors (i.e., threaded rods) from the concrete girder into HSS-formed shear pockets in the deck panels, and then filling the pockets and haunch area using self-consolidating concrete (SCC). This method requires high level of quality control/quality assurance (QA/QC) in spacing the shear connectors during girder fabrication as well as shear pockets during panel fabrication to avoid any conflict between them during erection. It also requires shear connectors to achieve minimum embedment in the shear pockets to develop the design capacity, which necessitates adjusting connector’s height to compensate for girder camber. | G. Morcous |
| 7/1/2018 | July 2018 | Precast Concrete Panels for Rapid Full-Depth Repair of CRC Pavement to Maintain Continuity of Longitudinal Reinforcement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/precast-concrete-panels-for-rapid-full-depth-repair-of-crc-pavement-to-maintain-continuity-of-longitudinal-reinforcement/ | Precast Panels, Full Depth Repair, CRC Pavements | This Tech Brief describes a recently implemented method for rapid overnight full-depth repairs of continuously reinforced concrete (CRC) pavements using precast concrete panels. This method, developed by the Illinois Tollway, uses continuous longitudinal reinforcement throughout the repair area to make the method applicable for repairing multiple lanes or large areas, as well as for isolated repairs for long-term performance with minimal impact to traffic. The Illinois Tollway successfully utilized this method for a high traffic-volume expressway in the Chicago metropolitan area. | Steve Gillen, Dan Gancarz, Shiraz Tayabji |
| 9/26/2014 | September 2014 | Preliminary Evaluation of Cool-crete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/preliminary-evaluation-of-cool-crete/ | Bridge decks, Cracking of concrete pavements, Compressive strength, Concrete curing, Temperature, Corrosion, Additives, | Cracking of concrete bridge decks is a problem throughout the country. The cracking leads to the penetration of water and road salts that accelerates corrosion of reinforcement in the deck which can further increase cracking and detrimental effects. States have to invest significant resources to repair and replace damaged decks caused by the cracking. A new additive for concrete has been developed that could greatly improve on some of the difficult issues that the curing process of concrete creates. The four objectives of this study are: (1) Measurement of internal temperatures during curing; (2) Measurement of strains during curing caused by restraint; (3) Testing for compressive strength and modulus of rupture material properties; and (4) Generation of thermal gradient through the deck samples to monitor effects. If Cool-crete shows superior behavior, it can be utilized as an option for better performing concrete in bridge decks as well as other locations susceptible to cracking. | Eric Steinberg, Travis Ellison |
| 8/1/2014 | August 2014 | Quantification of System-wide Life Cycle Benefits of Recycled Materials in Highways | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/quantification-of-system-wide-life-cycle-benefits-of-recycled-materials-in-highways/ | Road construction, Recycled materials, Life cycle analysis, Cost effectiveness, Environmental impacts, Waste products, Maryland | The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and various governmental agencies have developed fact sheets on various recycled materials and industrial byproducts for their use in highway construction applications. These fact sheets typically have addressed the engineering properties and environmental suitability issues relevant to various applications and in some cases incorporated design guidelines and construction specifications. What is lacking is direct information on sustainability assessment characteristics, i.e., greenhouse emissions, energy and water consumption and life cycle cost benefits. Agencies may track system-wide use of quantities for major recycled materials such as fly ash, recycled asphalt pavement, recycled concrete aggregate, foundry sand, coal combustion byproducts, steel slag, etc., but they cannot readily calculate the benefits accrued by substitution of these materials for conventional materials. Although state transportation departments have been in the forefront of introducing recycled materials, they have not been able to clearly convey the benefits in a quantitative and transparent manner using readily understood metrics. The first objective of this study is to develop/update fact sheets on various recycled materials and industrial byproducts that are used in highway construction. New information generated in recent years relative to their engineering properties and environmental impact questions will be added as well as relevant life cycle assessment data. The second objective of this study is to develop a tool by which the state system-wide material use quantities can be used to calculate the life cycle benefits associated with the incorporation of recycled materials and industrial byproducts to highway pavement construction. (1) Develop/update fact sheets on various recycled materials and industrial byproducts that are used in highway construction; (2) Identification of the most appropriate cost database for life cycle assessment parameters for each material; (3) Integration of cost effectiveness and environmental impact into current materials testing and evaluation; and (4) Determining the benefits accrued by use of recycled materials and industrial by products in construction through a highway rating system. Various states including Maryland Department of Transportation (DOT) plans to adopt a green materials management approach. This research project directly helps the DOTs build their capacity to sustain such efforts. The life-cycle analysis method evaluted through actual field projects in this research will provide an easy-to-use tool for DOT engineers to evaluate the impact of green materials and technologies in terms of environment, cost, and long-term performance. The successful implementation of this project could also lead toward the development of green materials registry and management at the DOTs. Recommendations provided in the final report can also lead to pilot implementation for full-scale evaluation of the developed life-cycle analysis tools. | Ahmet H. Aydilek |
| 11/1/2018 | November 2018 | Quantifying the Effects of Preservation Treatments on Pavement Performance | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/quantifying-the-effects-of-preservation-treatments-on-pavement-performance/ | Preservation treatments, Pavement performance condition, cracking and faulting of concrete pavements ,service life, and life-cycle costs | This report presents a framework for quantifying the effects of preservation treatments on pavement performance, along with a guidance document to facilitate implementation of the framework. The proposed framework uses performance measures that quantify the changes in pavement performance in terms of condition (e.g., cracking and faulting of concrete pavements and cracking and rutting of asphalt pavements), service life, and life-cycle costs. Applicability of these measures was demonstrated using in-service pavement performance data. The guide also identifies alternate pavement performance measures (e.g., friction and composite pavement condition indices) and describes a process for assessing their appropriateness for use in quantifying the effects of preservation treatments on pavement performance. In addition, incorporating these measures in asset management systems would provide a means for selecting the appropriate preservation treatments and optimizing the allocation of resources..This project is the NCHRP Research Report 858 | Gonzalo R. Rada, James M. Bryce, Beth A. Visintine, R. Gary Hicks, DingXin Cheng |
| 3/9/2018 | March 2018 | Quantifying the Range of Variability in the Flexural Strength of Fiber Reinforced Concrete Using Monte Carlo Simulation | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/quantifying-the-range-of-variability-in-the-flexural-strength-of-fiber-reinforced-concrete-using-monte-carlo-simulation/ | Admixtures; Fiber reinforced concrete; Flexural strength; Mix design; Monte Carlo method | Many laboratory studies have shown erratic results in flexural strength among replicate specimens of Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC). As a result, repeatability of results was very challenging. Given this issue, it would be very difficult for design engineers to make reliable claims about the performance of a certain FRC element in the field. The objective of this project is to provide a better tool for FRC designers to be able to make more robust claims about the performance of an FRC element in transportation infrastructures. This will be carried out through statistically quantifying the range of variability in the flexural strength of FRC using Monte Carlo Simulation. The power of the obtained range of variability prediction tool will be examined through conducting flexural experiments on 8 concrete mixes. These mixes will have randomly selected fiber types, fiber dosages, and other concrete properties in order to examine the power of the developed tool for a wide range of mixes. Ranges of variability associated with several confidence levels will be tested. | Ahmad Ghadban, Nadim Wehbe |
| 10/10/2017 | October 2017 | Quantitative Measurements of Curing Methods for Concrete Bridge Decks | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/quantitative-measurements-of-curing-methods-for-concrete-bridge-decks/ | Bridge decks; Chlorides; Concrete curing; Field tests; Lithium compounds; Silicates; Bridges and other structures; Highways; Materials; Pavements | This paper gives a quantitative comparison of how different curing methods impact the rate of drying and subsequent penetration of lime water and chloride penetration of concrete. Laboratory work is used to investigate a bridge deck concrete mixture cured by two different curing compounds, wet curing of different lengths, and then no curing. The results confirm that wet curing methods reduce the ingress of external chemicals more effectively. The wet curing for even one day provided significant improvement over both curing compounds and no curing. To confirm the findings in the field eight bridge decks were investigated that were cured with a curing compound and wet curing. The field investigation confirms the findings of the laboratory testing and emphasizes the importance of wet curing for long term durability of concrete. This paper provides important quantitative data that can be used to compare these methods and help with making decisions about different curing practices and the impact on the service life of concrete. | Amir Hajibabaee, Moradllo Khanzadeh , Mehdi, Amir Behravan, M. Tyler Ley |
| 9/1/2014 | September 2014 | Rapid Pavement Construction: Research on Thixotropy and Workability Loss of Vibration-free Concrete in View Accelerating Pavement Construction by Slipforming | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/rapid-pavement-construction:-research-on-thixotropy-and-workability-loss-of-vibration-free-concrete-in-view-accelerating-pavement-construction-by-slipforming/ | Cement paste; Mix design; Road construction; Slip form paving; Thixotropy; Workability | The main objective of this project is to identify critical constituent materials and mix design parameters that influence the thixotropy and workability loss of vibration-free concrete. The research will be mainly performed on cement-pastes, which is the source of thixotropy and workability loss. The influence of the aggregates will be investigated in a separate task. Understanding the time-dependent fresh concrete behavior is essential for the development of vibration-free concrete for slipforming, enhancing the opportunities for accelerated pavement construction. Furthermore, the obtained results can be related to other Research on Concrete Applications for Sustainable Transportation (RE-CAST) projects, such as project 1B on formwork pressure and 1C on the influence of casting procedures on the performance of concrete. | Dimitri Feys |
| 01/01/2016 | January 2016 | Rapid Replacement of Bridge Decks (Phases I-IV funded under different contracts) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/rapid-replacement-of-bridge-decks-(phases-i-iv-funded-under-different-contracts)/ | rapid repair; bridge deck; aging infrastructure; precast bridge decks | The earliest phases of this project date back to 1998, when research was initiated to identify effective & cost efficient design & construction strategies & procedures for rapid rehab or replacement of bridge decks, to include those decks which must be r/r-ed under conditions of concurrent traffic. Phase 1 consisted of identifying & analyzing the various strategies for such work, and making recommendations on which are the most appropriate for the specified conditions. Phase II consisted of monitoring & documenting the rapid replacement work on four Georgia DOT bridges in the Atlanta metro area; identifying design & construction problem areas, as well as corrective actions that should be taken to eliminate these in future rapid deck replacements. Phase III will consist of construction of two test bridges on I-59 in Collinsville, AL using two different types of rapid deck replacement technologies. Phase IV will consist of evaluating the structural performance of the decks constructed in Phase III. Phases III & IV have essentially been halted indefinitely due to delays in letting the construction project. | Bryan Harvey, Hassan Abbas, G. Ed Ramey |
| 6/30/2013 | June 2013 | Rapid Retrofit and Strengthening of Bridge Components | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/rapid-retrofit-and-strengthening-of-bridge-components/ | Carbon fibers; Highway bridges; Retrofitting; Strengthening (Maintenance) | The objective of this study is to (1) repair four bridges with high-performance carbon fiber materials developed at University of Kentucky; and (2) develop a guide and specifications for the use of this material. The advantage of the carbon fiber material is ease of application by a single worker and reduction in repair time, resulting in lower repair costs. | R. Graves |
| 6/1/2013 | June 2013 | Real-Time Laser Scanning of Aggregate Materials in Highway Construction | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/real-time-laser-scanning-of-aggregate-materials-in-highway-construction/ | Absorption; Aggregates; D cracking; Quality control; Real time information; Specific gravity | The quality and service life of the roadways that make up the highway transportation infrastructure are dependent upon the selection and use of high quality aggregate materials. Five state transportation agencies participated in this Transportation Pooled Fund (TPF) study, which was designed to demonstrate the use of laser scanning as a means to assess, in real-time, the quality of aggregate used in highway construction. Participating states included Kansas, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. | Warren H. Chesner, Nancy J. McMillan |
| 10/1/2012 | October 2012 | Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) for Infrastructure Elements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/recycled-concrete-aggregate-(rca)-for-infrastructure-elements/ | RCA, recycled concrete aggregate, RAC, recycled aggregate concrete, sustainability, aggregate | The objective of the research is to determine the implications of using recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) in the production of new concrete. Specifically, the study will evaluate the fresh and hardened properties, durability, and structural behavior of concrete containing RCA. The expected result from this study will be guidelines for evaluating, selecting, and specifying RCA concrete. These guidelines will provide both MoDOT and design engineers with a resource to design, test, and implement RCA in transportation-related infrastructure. | Jeffery S. Volz, Kamal H. Khayat, Mahdi Arezoumandi, Jonathan Drury, Seyedhamed Sadati, AdamSmith, Amanda Steele |
| 09/15/19 | September 2019 | Reduction of Structural Damage from the Thermal Expansion of Concrete Using Multifunctional Materials | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/reduction-of-structural-damage-from-the-thermal-expansion-of-concrete-using-multifunctional-materials/ | Alloys, Bridges and other structures, Concrete, Cracking, Design, Highways, Materials, Pavements, Structural materials, Thermal expansion | Control of thermal expansion is a critical goal of engineering design in a wide range of applications, particularly in cases where system components are small, are subject to large changes (gradients) in temperatures, or require extreme dimensional stability over a wide range of temperatures. In particular, the thermal expansion of concrete plays a significant role in the durability of the transportation infrastructure and causes misalignment, cracking, and structural failure. As such, the objective of this study is to improve the durability and extend the life of transportation infrastructure using multifunctional materials. This research aims to use high-performance materials such as shape memory components to address the issue of thermal expansion integrated into next-generation designs, to enhance the longevity and safety of these structures. As a result, the more specific objective of this research is to design and characterize the use of multifunctional materials that stabilize the changing structure due to thermal expansion. The characteristics of these materials will work in conjunction with the temperature dependence of concrete. This will require very specific properties from the materials, making trained shape memory alloys (SMAs) a likely candidate, to meet the characteristics required to address the problem statement. The methods to train the materials should be developed in a repeatable fashion, and their adaptability demonstrated as a function of temperature and stress from the thermal expansion of the concrete. | Ibrahim Karaman, Darren Hartl |
| 1/1/2013 | January 2013 | Reuse of Mine Waste Materials Amended with Fly Ash in Transportation Earthwork Projects | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/re-use-of-mine-waste-materials-amended-with-fly-ash-in-transportation-earthwork-projects/ | Wastes, Fly ash, Earthwork, Highway maintenance, Mines, Colorado, Strategic planning | Environmental sustainability and land stewardship are challenging but laudable constraints for all infrastructure development in the United States. Our nation's prevalent energy concerns, which include the desire for energy independence coupled with a growing population requiring additional energy capacity, constrain energy available to repair and build new infrastructure. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has identified the maintenance and improvement of roadways in addition to increased construction of local road systems as strategic goals in the statewide transportation plan (CDOT 2008). These goals will support an overarching objective in Colorado to enhance transportation safety while meeting future needs of increased transportation capacity. | Mohammad H. Gorakhki, Sultan A. Alhomair, Christopher A. Bareither |
| 03/01/20 | March 2020 | Role of Coarse Aggregate Porosity on Chloride Intrusion in HPC Bridge Decks | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/role-of-coarse-aggregate-on-chloride-intrusion-in-hpc-bridge-decks/ | Bridge decks; Chlorides; Coarse aggregates; High performance concrete; Permeability; Test procedures | This study evaluated the effects of coarse aggregate pore system properties on the permeability and chloride ingress of high-performance concrete (HPC) mixes used in bridge decks in Iowa. Five coarse aggregates typically available in Iowa were studied, including three limestone and two dolostone aggregates with different water absorption capacities and porosity values. These coarse aggregates were used to make five concrete mixes with a given HPC mix proportion. (That is, the five concrete mixes differed only in terms of the coarse aggregate used.) A corresponding mortar mix was sieved from one of the concrete mixtures to eliminate coarse aggregate. The aggregates were analyzed for their pore characteristics, and the mortar and HPC mixes were evaluated for chloride intrusion using electrical and non-electrical tests. Relationships were determined between the aggregate properties and the results of the concrete chloride intrusion tests. The results showed that the aggregate critical and threshold pore sizes were strongly related to concrete surface resistivity and initial sorptivity but did not strongly affect the chloride penetration results of salt ponding tests. The different chloride intrusion tests indicated that the concrete mixes made with limestone and dolostone aggregates exhibited different behaviors. For a given coarse aggregate type (limestone or dolostone), concrete initial sorptivity increased with increasing aggregate critical pore throat size. Although aggregate absorption should not be used as the sole means of concrete durability control, it should be considered a key parameter for concrete aggregate evaluation. For concrete, the short-term initial sorptivity test (which takes six hours) can be used instead of a 90-day salt ponding test for a quick evaluation of chloride intrusion. This test can be used together with the aggregate absorption test to evaluate aggregate quality. | Kejin Wang, Franek Hasiuk, Bharath Melugiri Shankaramurthy |
| 8/15/2017 | August 2017 | Role of Supplementary Cementitious Material Type in the Mitigation of Calcium Oxychloride Formation in Cementitious Pastes | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/role-of-supplementary-cementitious-material-type-in-the-mitigation-of-calcium-oxychloride-formation-in-cementitious-pastes/ | SCMs mitigate calcium oxychloride formation | Premature deterioration has been observed at some joints in concrete pavements. This joint damage has been attributed, in part, to a deleterious chemical reaction between chloride-based deicing salts (e.g., calcium chloride) and calcium hydroxide from the cementitious matrix resulting in the formation of a compound referred to as calcium oxychloride. Calcium oxychloride formation can be mitigated in cementitious pastes through the replacement of cement with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) (e.g., fly ash or slag). Although various SCMs are beneficial in mitigating the formation of calcium oxychloride, little has been written to describe similarities or differences between the different types of SCMs relating to their ability to mitigate calcium oxychloride formation. This paper compares various SCM types. As the volume of supplementary cementitious materials replacing the cement increases, calcium hydroxide and calcium oxychloride amounts decrease. The supplementary cementitious materials reduce the calcium hydroxide and calcium oxychloride formed in the order calcined clay > silica fume ≫ fly ash > slag ≫ limestone. The contributions of the SCMs to reducing calcium hydroxide (CH) and calcium oxychloride (CAOXY) due to dilution and reaction are separated. The potential benefits of different SCMs in reducing calcium hydroxide amounts in paste can be predicted based on their pozzolanicity (determined from their response in pozzolanic tests based on isothermal calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis). | Prannoy Suraneni, Vahid Jafari Azad, O. Burkan Isgor, Jason Weiss |
| 3/1/2017 | March 2017 | Seasonal Variations and In Situ Assessment of Concrete Pavement Foundation Mechanistic Properties | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/seasonal-variations-and-in-situ-assessment-of-concrete-pavement-foundation-mechanistic-properties/ | Freeze thaw cycles; Seasonal variations; California bearing ratio; Coefficient of subgrade reaction; Concrete pavements; Falling weight deflectometers; Foundations; Mechanical properties; Subbase (Pavements); Subgrade (Pavements) | In cold climates, pavement surface and foundation layers are subjected to seasonal temperature variation and freeze–thaw cycles. The number and duration of freeze–thaw cycles in the foundation layers can significantly influence the pavement performance. Seasonal variation in foundation layers is accounted for in pavement design by empirically adjusting the foundation layer moduli values. This paper presents results from in situ falling weight deflectometer (FWD) and dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) tests conducted over a two-year period at five sites in Iowa; at one of these sites, temperatures of the foundation layers were continuously monitored during the testing period. FWD testing was conducted to determine the modulus of subgrade reaction (k) values. DCP testing was conducted to estimate California bearing ratio (CBR) values of the subbase and subgrade. Temperature data were analyzed to determine freezing and thawing periods and frost penetrations. Seasonal variations observed in the foundation mechanistic properties were compared with the assumed design values. Empirical relationships between the different mechanistic properties are explored. | Yang Zhang, Pavana K.R. Vennapusa, David J. White, Alex E. Johnson |
| 10/10/2012 | October 2012 | Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) and High-Volume Fly Ash Concrete (HVFAC) for Infrastructure Elements: Implementation | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/self-consolidating-concrete-(scc)-and-high-volume-fly-ash-concrete-(hvfac)-for-infrastructure-elements:-implementation/ | Self-Consolidating Concrete,SCC, HFVA, high volume fly ash | The objective of this project is to evaluate and monitor a bridge that has self-consolidating concrete for some of the precast/prestressed girders and an intermediate bent with 50% fly ash replacement. The bridge project will have both traditional and innovative beams and intermediate bents which allows the researchers to do direct comparisons. At the conclusion of the project, it will be determined if MoDOT should allow SCC and 50% fly ash replacement as options on MoDOT projects. | John J. Myers, Eli S. Hernandez, Hayder Alghazali, Alexander Griffin, Kaylea Smith |
| 08/31/14 | August 2014 | Simplified Design Table for Minnesota Concrete Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/simplified-design-table-for-minnesota-concrete-pavements/ | design | Develop a design table based on Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) procedure | Lev Khazanovich, Derek Tompkins |
| 9/20/2016 | September 2016 | Soil-Cement Manual of Practice: Interconnected Framework for Pavement Design, Laboratory Mixture Design, and Construction Quality Control/Assurance | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/soil-cement-manual-of-practice-interconnected-framework-for-pavement-design-laboratory-mixture-design-and-construction-quality-control-assurance/ | Handbooks; Mechanistic-empirical pavement design; Mix design; Pavement layers; Quality assurance; Quality control; Soil cement pavements; Thickness | Develop a soil-cement manual of practice for Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) that focuses on integrating pavement layer thickness design (MEPDG), laboratory mixture design, and construction quality control/assurance. | Isaac Howard |
| 12/31/2017 | December 2017 | SPR-3310: Investigation of Use of Slag Aggregate and Slag Cements in Concrete Pavement to Reduce Their Maintenance Costs | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/spr-3310:-investigation-of-use-of-slag-aggregate-and-slag-cements-in-concrete-pavement-to-reduce-their-maintenance-costs/ | Coarse aggregates; Compressive strength; Concrete pavements; Costs; Durability; Flexural strength; Fly ash; Freeze thaw durability; Maintenance; Slag; Wetting and drying tests | The air-cooled blast furnace slag (ACBFS), the by-product of the pig iron making process, is often used as coarse aggregate in portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements, especially in the areas located in the vicinity of the iron mills. The utilization of this by-product as an aggregate in concrete offers environmental and economic benefits in the form of elimination of waste, decrease in the disposal costs, and reduction in need for mining of the natural materials. However, concerns exist with relation of the influence of these aggregates on the long-term durability of pavement concretes, especially at locations exposed to freezing and thawing environment. The objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of using the ACBFS aggregate (slag aggregate) as a replacement for natural aggregates on the properties of pavement concrete designed to meet the standard specifications of the Indiana Department of Transportation. | Kho Pin Verian, Parth Panchmatia, Jan Olek, |
| 8/1/2015 | August 2015 | SPR-3403: Removing Obstacles for Pavement Cost Reduction by Examining Early Age Opening Requirements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/spr-3403:-removing-obstacles-for-pavement-cost-reduction-by-examining-early-age-opening-requirements/ | Accelerated tests; Concrete curing; Concrete pavements; Flexural strength; Pavement cracking; Tension; Traffic loads | The risk of cracking in a concrete pavement that is opened to traffic at early ages is related to the maximum tensile stress that develops in the pavement and its relationship to the measured, age dependent, flexural strength of a beam. The stress that develops in the pavement is due to several factors including traffic loading and restrained volume change caused by thermal or hygral variations. The stress that develops is also dependent on the time-dependent mechanical properties, pavement thickness, and subgrade stiffness. There is a strong incentive to open many pavements to traffic as early as possible to allow construction traffic or traffic from the traveling public to use the pavement. | Federico C. Antico, Hadi S. Esmaeeli, Igor De la Varga, Wesley Jones, Timothy Barrett, Pablo Zavattieri, W. Jason Weiss |
| 3/1/2015 | March 2015 | SPR-3623: Early Detection of Joint Distress in Portland Cement Concrete Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/early-detection-of-joint-distress-in-portland-cement-concrete-pavements/ | Concrete pavements; Deterioration; Electrical resistivity; Ground penetrating radar; Moisture content; Pavement distress; Pavement joints; Portland cement concrete | INDOT (as well as several surrounding states) have observed that certain concrete pavements may show a susceptibility to joint deterioration. Unfortunately, by the time that this joint deterioration is observed it is often too late and costly partial depth repairs are needed. The deterioration is generally occurring in the joint behind the backer rod and joint sealant; as such, it is difficult to detect even if one is standing directly above the joint. This project investigated the use of electrical resistivity and ground penetrating radar as two techniques to detect premature joint deterioration. The thought process was that if the joint deterioration is determined at an early stage, low cost corrective actions can be taken to extend the life of the concrete. | Jason Weiss, Dwayne Harris, Yaghoob Farnam, Robert Spragg, Paul Imbrock |
| 12/31/16 | December 2016 | SPR-3808: Synthesis: Accelerating the Implementation of Research Findings to Reduce the Potential for Concrete Pavement Joint Deterioration | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/spr-3808:-synthesis:-accelerating-the-implementation-of-research-findings-to-reduce-the-potential-for-concrete-pavement-joint-deterioration/ | Concrete pavements, Deterioration, Implementation, Joints (Engineering), Pavement distress | This project will comprehensively review and synthesize all the suggested causes and phenomena associated with joint deterioration for purposes of developing a manageable solution to prevent and/or to mitigate this problem in the future. | Jason Weiss, Jan Olek |
| 5/30/2016 | May 2016 | SPR-3864: Performance of Deicing Salts and Deicing Salt Cocktails | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/spr-3864:-performance-of-deicing-salts-and-deicing-salt-cocktails/ | Concrete pavements; Deicing chemicals; Pavement performance | Deicing salts are widely used for anti-icing and deicing operations in pavements. While historically sodium chloride may have been the deicer most commonly used, a wide range of deicing salts have begun to be used to operate at lower temperatures, to “stick to the road better” and to improve other aspects of performance such as environmental impact or corrosion resistance. It has been observed that some chloride based deicing salts can react with the calcium hydroxide in the mixture resulting in the formation of calcium oxychloride an expansive phase that can damage concrete pavements, especially at the joints. This report describes the two main objectives of this work. First, the report documents the development a standardized approach to use low temperature differential scanning calorimetry (LT-DSC) to assess the influence of cementitious binder composition on the potential for calcium oxychloride formation. Second, this work will assess the influence of blended salt cocktails on the formation of calcium oxychloride. | Prannoy Suraneni, Jonathan Monical, Erol Unal, Yaghoob Farnam, Chiara Villani, Timothy J. Barrett, W. Jason Weiss |
| 7/1/2016 | July 2016 | SPR-4004: Development of Subgrade Stabilization and Slab Undersealing Solutions for PCC Pavements Restoration and Repairs | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/spr-4004:-development-of-subgrade-stabilization-and-slab-undersealing-solutions-for-pcc-pavements-restoration-and-repairs/ | Pavements; Portland cement concrete; Slabs; Stability (Mechanics); Subgrade (Pavements) | Project deliverables will include protocols for proposed stabilization and slab undersealing techniques that will be in the form suitable for implementation in INDOT’s specifications. In addition, the proposed field trials of the proposed solutions will provide a credible set of information that will help with the implementation efforts. | Jan Olek |
| 10/17/2016 | October 2016 | SPR-4112: Best Practices for Patching Composite Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/spr-4112:-best-practices-for-patching-composite-pavements/ | Best practices; Composite pavements; Concrete pavements; Patching; Pavement management systems; Pavement performance | Patching composite and, to a lesser extent, concrete pavements poses numerous constructability and performance issues. A synthesis of research and experience is needed to identify ways to facilitate proper construction and improve the ultimate performance of these patches. Developing these best practices will involve a survey of other states’ practices, literature review and review of Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) pavement management data before and after patching on selected projects in each district. | Rebecca McDaniel |
| 1/1/2017 | January 2017 | SPR-4116: Investigation of Design Alternative for the Subbase of Concrete Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/spr-4116:-investigation-of-design-alternative-for-the-subbase-of-concrete-pavements/ | Concrete pavements; Geosynthetics; Geotextiles; Settlement (Structures); Smoothness; Soil compaction; Subbase (Pavements) | The study will develop recommendations for new subbase designs based on a comprehensive review of the literature, a survey of best practices across the US and abroad and an experimental program focused on unstabilized layers alone and in combination with geotextiles. | Marika Santagata, Philippe Bourdeau |
| 9/1/2017 | September 2017 | SPR-4210: Determining the Optimal Traffic Opening Timing through an In Situ NDT Method for Concrete Early Age Properties Monitoring | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/spr-4210:-determining-the-optimal-traffic-opening-timing-through-an-in-situ-ndt-method-for-concrete-early-age-properties-monitoring/ | Concrete curing; Concrete pavements; Construction scheduling; Costs; Failure; Mechanical properties; Nondestructive tests; Optimization; Sensors; Test procedures | The aim of this project is to develop a reliable in situ testing method to determine the quality of concrete for traffic opening by using piezoelectric sensors coupled with electromechanical impedance (EMI) to determine early age properties of concrete. The potential benefits of using this non-destructive testing (NDT) include 1) reducing pre-mature failure of concrete pavement, patching and other concrete structures; 2) determining optimal traffic opening time based on reliable data of concrete property; 3) enabling cost and schedule savings due to reduced testing samples and testing time; and 4) eliminating construction worker safety issues on the job site and accident rates in opening zones. | Na Lu |
| 1/1/2018 | January 2018 | SPR-4213: Determining Concrete Patch Locations Other Than Visual | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/spr-4213:-determining-concrete-patch-locations-other-than-visual/ | Artificial intelligence; Classification; Ground penetrating radar; Patching; Pavement maintenance; Sensors; I | In this research, the fusion of data from two current Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) sensors (WayLink 3D Laser Imaging and GSSI ground penetrating radar) will be investigated and methods will be developed to use them to create a patching and classification table. The proposed approach is to use the 3D imaging system to create a 1 mm resolution image of the pavement surface and develop an artificial intelligence based technique, which may allow narrowing the patch search area in order to concentrate computational and human resources for analyzing the GPR data. | James Krogmeier, Mark Bell |
| 9/1/2018 | September 2018 | SPR-4320: Implementation of Epoxy Injection of Concrete Overlaid Bridge Decks | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/spr-4320:-implementation-of-epoxy-injection-of-concrete-overlaid-bridge-decks/ | Bridge decks; Concrete overlays; Cost effectiveness; Epoxy coatings; Freeze thaw durability; Service life; Winter maintenance; Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation | Concrete overlay has proven to be effective maintenance treatment as it prevents de-icing chemicals and water penetration into the original deck surface. Typically, over time, debonding develops at the boundary between the original deck and overlay which creates void. Displacing water and filling these cracks with epoxy helps eliminate freeze and thaw and reduces spalling requiring emergency patching, and thereby extending the bridge deck life span. This process is envisaged as an end of bridge deck life treatment. The ultimate goal is to forgo another costly deck rehabilitation project and save that money for a deck replacement, or superstructure replacement in the near future. | Prince Baah |
| 7/1/2018 | July 2018 | SPR-4326: Self-healing Cementitious Composites (SHCC) with Ultrahigh Ductility for Pavement and Bridge Construction | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/spr-4326:-self-healing-cementitious-composites-(shcc)-with-ultrahigh-ductility-for-pavement-and-bridge-construction/ | Bridges; Cement; Composite materials; Cost effectiveness; Cracking; Ductility; Durability; Pavement design; Pavement maintenance; Bridges a | The aim of this project is to develop a new class of self-healing cementitious composites (SHCC) with ultra-high ductility and durability that can autonomously heal cracks developed in the concrete, due to shrinkage, free-thaw damage, and service loading. The superior ductility and durability of SHCC can accommodate pavement and bridge structures deformation imposed by concrete shrinkage, temperature fluctuation, etc. As such, this class of SHCC materials provide a cost-effective solution to pavement and bridge rehabilitation as well as new construction projects. | Na Lu |
| 1/1/2019 | January 2019 | SPR-4327: Development of Compaction Control Guidelines for Aggregates Drainage Layers and Evaluation of In Situ Permeability Testing Methods for Aggregates | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/spr-4327:-development-of-compaction-control-guidelines-for-aggregates-drainage-layers-and-evaluation-of-in-situ-permeability-testing-methods-for-aggregates/ | Aggregates; Compaction; Drainage; Guidelines; Pavement layers; Permeability; Quality assurance; Test procedures | Objective of this research is to improve the process for aggregate drainage layer construction within INDOT contracts. Results of the study will allow INDOT to move towards standardizing a performance based quality assurance approach for aggregate drainage layer construction. | Peter Becker, Marika Santagata |
| 1/1/2019 | January 2019 | SPR-4332: Performance Related Specification for Pavement Milling | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/spr-4332:-performance-related-specification-for-pavement-milling/ | Milling; Pavement distress; Pavement layers; Specifications; Test procedures | The objective of this research is to evaluate pavement damage that could occur during milling process. The primary deliverable for this research will be a technical report documenting more reliable milling procedures and specifications, testing methodologies, testing results, and findings. | Seong-Hwan Cho, John Haddock |
| 1/1/2019 | January 2019 | SPR-4336: Improvement of Scaling Resistance of Pavement Concrete Using Titanium Dioxide (Tio2) and Other Nano-additives | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/spr-4336:-improvement-of-scaling-resistance-of-pavement-concrete-using-titanium-dioxide-(tio2)-and-other-nano-additives/ | Concrete pavements; Durability; Fly ash; Mechanical properties; Nanostructured materials; Permeability; Scaling (Concrete); Titanium | Objective of this research is development of reliable and relatively inexpensive method of improving the scaling resistance of pavement concretes containing fly ash. Additional benefits may include increased resistance to chemical attack by deicing chemicals and increase in mechanical properties of concrete pavements. If successful, the proposed method of increasing scaling resistance of fly ash concrete will allow for extension of the construction window for usage of fly ash while, at the same time, increasing durability of concrete. | Jan Olek |
| 1/1/2019 | January 2019 | Stringless Paving | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/stringless-paving/ | concrete pavements, smoothness, roughness | String lines have traditionally been used to control paving machine elevation and steering on the grade. Stringless paving (sometimes referred to as “3-D paving”) is the process of constructing a pavement using non-contact, electronic guidance systems to guide the paver along the grade without the aid of string lines. Stringless paving allows contractors to eliminate hubs, pins, sensors or wands, clamps, and string lines (wires, cables, rope, etc.). This can produce significant savings of time and labor for establishing and maintaining the string line system, the elimination of stringline-related tripping hazards, and reductions in the required width of operating space for the paver. Additionally, stringless paving offers the potential for more accurate, smoother paving, especially in tight horizontal and vertical curves where stringlines can only simulate a smooth curve using straight line segments. | Mark Snyder |
| 08/31/19 | August 2019 | Subgrade Stabilization Alternatives | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/subgrade-stabilization-alternatives/ | Highway engineering, Pavement design, Soil stabilization, Specifications, Subgrade (Pavements) | Subgrade stabilization in the INDOT current standard specification is limited to the selection of materials type rather than strength and properties of the treated soil. With the adoption of the Mechanistic Empirical Design Guide, it is possible to consider in the input parameters the actual properties of the stabilized soil subgrade. The research addresses this issue by exploring the engineering properties of subgrade stabilization alternatives, so pavement engineers can design the pavement structure accordingly. | Antonio Bobet |
| 09/01/21 | September 2021 | Superabsorbent Polymers in Concrete to Improve Durability | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/superabsorbent-polymers-in-concrete-to-improve-durability/ | bridge structures, Concrete, Durability, Internal curing, Mix design, pavement, Shrinkage, superabsorbent polymer | This research examined and documented the use of internal curing by superabsorbent polymer (SAP) to improve the durability of Tollway bridge decks. The project included laboratory studies to characterize material behavior and properties, and field testing to measure slab performance and observe behavior with full scale truck mixers. | David A. Lange, Kamal Khayat, Matthew D'Ambrosia, Nima Farzadnia, Yucun Gu, Karthik Pattaje, Jamie Clark, Chuanyue Shen, Ruofei Zuo |
| 9/1/2008 | September 2008 | Surface characteristics for new PCC | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/surface-characteristics-for-new-pcc/ | surface characteristics, friction, noise | Study of surface characteristics for new concrete pavements. | Bernard Izevbekhai |
| 3/1/2015 | March 2015 | Surface Resistivity as an Alternative for Rapid Chloride Permeability Test of Hardened Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/surface-resistivity-as-an-alternative-for-rapid-chloride-permeability-test-of-hardened-concrete/ | Concrete permeability, Surface resistivity, Rapid Chloride Permeability, Volume of Permeable Voids, Materials testing | Kansas experiences harsh winters that require frequent use of de-icing salts, making it critical to the long-term durability of concrete structures that the permeability is kept under control. Under current KDOT ecification, the Rapid Chloride Permeability (RCP) test, as described in ASTM Standard C1202 (2012), or the Volume of Permeable Voids method, described in ASTM Standard C642 (2013), more commonly known as the boil test, must be performed to evaluate concrete permeability. Surface resistivity testing was investigated as an alternative to these tests. | Rodney Montney |
| 06/30/14 | June 2014 | Sustainable Crack-Free, Environmental-Friendly Concrete "Crack Free Eco-Crete" | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/sustainable-crack-free,-environmental-friendly-concrete-?crack-free-eco-crete/ | Concrete, Building materials, Sustainable development, Pollutants, Greenhouse gases, Environmental impacts, Waste products, Portland cement | Since concrete is the most used construction material in the world, it accounts for a considerable part of CO2 emissions. This means that besides to its appreciable roles, it may be considered as a significant source of emission of greenhouse gases. The solution of this problem is to reduce the environmental impact of concrete and cement through the idea of Eco-Concrete. Besides to its environmental benefits, Eco-Crete is also important from the economical perspective. Because, incorporating high volumes of industrial by-products as replacements for Portland cement makes the Eco-Crete more energy efficient and cheap to produce. | Kamal H. Khayat, Iman Mehdipour |
| 3/1/2018 | March 2018 | Sustainable Mitigation of Stormwater Runoff Through Fully Permeable Pavement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/sustainable-mitigation-of-stormwater-runoff-through-fully-permeable-pavement/ | Asphalt pavements; Concrete pavements; Data collection; Mechanistic-empirical pavement design; Performance tests; Porous pavements; Runoff; Test beds; Permeable pavements; Environment; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; Pavements | This report presents the implementation of new design method developed using mechanistic-empirical design approach by University of California Pavement Research Center (UCPRC) through building two test sections at California State University Long Beach (CSULB). The study includes a literature review, pavement design procedure, mix design, construction procedure, instrumentation, and collection of performance data of the permeable asphalt and concrete pavement sections for validation and structural design calibration of the new design approach. Fully permeable pavements are characterized as those in which all layers are porous, and the pavement structure serves as a reservoir to store water and minimize the negative impacts of stormwater spillover. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has shown interest in developing fully permeable pavement design for use in territories that convey substantial truck activity as a potential stormwater management best management practice (BMP) to give low-effect infrastructure and proficient framework operation. A location was selected within CSULB for the construction of the test sections. Pressure cells and strain gages were installed during the construction of pavements for measuring the stress on the top of subgrade on both test sections and the strain at the bottom of surface layer to assess the performance of the fully permeable pavements. In the study, the traffic count was also determined. The data acquisition device CDaq was installed at the site to collect the data. The recorded data was analyzed using the MATLAB program code. The data from pressure cells and strain gages are analyzed, and graphs were plotted to study the pattern in the data sets. The stress and strain measurements and the cracking (both sections) and rutting (asphalt section only) will be used to calibrate the pavement structural design procedure and hydraulic performance will also be monitored. | Avinash Ralla, Shadi Saadeh |
| 11/16/2016 | November 2016 | Systematic Decision-Making Process for Composite Pavement Maintenance | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/systematic-decision-making-process-for-composite-pavement-maintenance/ | Composite pavements; Decision making; Hot mix asphalt; Pavement maintenance; Portland cement concrete; Reflection cracking | The assessment of pavement condition rating (PCR) for hot mix asphalt (HMA) surfaces and exposed portland cement concrete (PCC) in composite pavements is an important component of the decision-making process for treating reflective cracking. Visual inspections such as PCR or falling weight deflectometer (FWD) have been conducted as current practices for reflective cracking treatment. However, these evaluation methods are not able to identify the severity of cracking in the underlying PCC slab. , field engineers often tend to rely solely on visual inspection of the HMA surface without performing actual milling operations. Therefore a systematic decision-making process is needed to select appropriate maintenance treatments for reflective cracking in composite pavements. In response to this need, this research proposes a framework for composite pavement maintenance decision making that consists of three modules: (1) field evaluations to assess the condition of the pavement at the joint, (2) development of a PCC pavement condition prediction model to determine the severity of PCC cracking at the joint in a composite pavement, and (3) a treatment selection table to help determine a possible mitigation strategy for the treatment of each reflective crack type. A case study is conducted to validate the proposed prediction model, with the results showing 0.77 accuracy. Therefore the proposed systematic decision-making process is able to provide field engineers with a more accurate treatment selection process for reflective cracking in composite pavements than is currently available. Furthermore, the proposed process can reduce maintenance costs by simplifying field test evaluation methods and alleviating the need for milling the HMA surfaces. | Soojin Yoon, Kyubyung Kang, Yoojung Yoon, Makarand Hastak, Richard Ji |
| 01/01/19 | January 2019 | Temperature Control Requirements for the Construction of Mass Concrete Members | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/temperature-control-requirements-for-the-construction-of-mass-concrete-members/ | Mass concrete; thermal cracking; | The main objectives of this project are: to measure in-place temperatures for some mass concrete members under construction; to develop an ALDOT procedure to designate various members as mass concrete members; to develop temperature control requirements for mass concrete construction for ALDOT; and to provide training to the ALDOT personnel in order to understand & implement temperature control requirements for mass concrete construction. | Eric D. Gross, Andrew D. Eiland, Anton K. Schindler, Robert W. Barnes |
| 3/11/2014 | March 2014 | Ten Year Performance Evaluation of Unbonded Concrete Overlay and Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement: A Toronto Case Study | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/ten-year-performance-evaluation-of-unbonded-concrete-overlay-and-jointed-plain-concrete-pavement-a-toronto-case-study/ | Canada; Case study; Conference; Damage; Durability; Evaluation (assessment); Joint (structural); Junction; Resurfacing; Rigid pavement; Rutting (wheel); Strengthening (pavement) | Heavy, slow moving traffic can be extremely damaging to asphalt pavements. The City of Toronto was observing the rapid deterioration of the pavements at an urban intersection with high volumes of transit bus traffic. The heavy traffic was causing severe rutting and other safety concerns. In collaboration with the Cement Association of Canada, the City of Toronto elected to rehabilitate the high traffic intersection of Bloor Street and Aukland Road using Portland cement concrete. As part of this project, the city constructed its first unbonded concrete overlay and reconstructed an adjacent area as a conventional Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement. The rehabilitation activities were completed during the summer of 2003. Instrumentation was installed by University of Waterloo researchers to monitor and evaluate the long-term performance of the rehabilitated pavements. This paper presents an overview of the existing conditions, design, construction and instrumentation of the Bloor and Aukland site and a ten year performance evaluation of the rehabilitated pavements. The results of this study show that concrete overlays and inlays are excellent rehabilitation options for urban pavements subjected to high volumes of heavy traffic. Both the unbonded overlay and Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement sections have demonstrated excellent performance to date. The pavements are in very good condition visually, ride quality remains excellent and the recurrence of the regular rutting and shoving problems that were being observed prior to rehabilitation has been mitigated. Significant remaining life is expected from the concrete pavement sections at Bloor and Aukland. For the covering abstract of this conference see ITRD record number 201310RT334E. | A. Kivi, S.L. Tighe, R. Fung, J. Grajek |
| 1/1/2010 | January 2010 | Tension Testing of Ultra-High Performance Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/tension-testing-of-ultra-high-performance-concrete/ | Cement; Composite materials; Fiber reinforced concrete; Tensile properties; Tension tests; Ultra high performance concrete | Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is a class of cementitious composite materials designed to exhibit exceptional mechanical and durability properties, including sustained postcracking tensile strength. Laboratory tests of structural elements have clearly indicated that UHPC components can exhibit tensile mechanical properties far in excess of those expected from conventional or fiber-reinforced concretes. This study developed a material scale direct tension test applicable to UHPC that relates the full range of uniaxial tensile behaviors through strain localization and can be completed on cast or extracted specimens. In order to demonstrate applicability, the test method was carried out in parallel with other UHPC tension test methods. This research model allowed for both development of a practical test method along with direct determination of the tensile mechanical properties of two commercially available UHPC-class materials. | Benjamin A. Graybeal, Florent Baby |
| 1/1/2019 | January 2019 | Thermoplastic Composites by 3D Printing and Automated Manufacturing to Extend the Life of Transportation Facilities | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/thermoplastic-composites-by-3d-printing-and-automated-manufacturing-to-extend-the-life-of-transportation-facilities/ | Automation; Composite materials; Concrete structures; Feasibility analysis; Fillers (Materials); Forming; Manufacturing; Precast concrete; Printers; Quality assurance; Recycling; Reinforcing materials; Service life; Specifications; Thermoplastic materials; Thermoplastic resins | The objectives of this project are to: (a) Identify potential applications for large-scale 3D printing of forms and tooling for precast concrete parts in transportation using bio-based fillers and reinforcements and cost-effective thermoplastic materials. (b) Determine the feasibility of making 3D printed forms for optimized precast concrete parts and elements to extend durability and reduce cost. (c) Document the demonstration of large-scale 3D printing of precast concrete forms and assess the quality of the parts. Establish material and manufacturing specifications to assist the departments of transportation (DOTs) implement this technology in transportation applications. (d) Investigate the potential for recycling the 3D print forms and tooling, and reusing/reprinting the wood-filled thermoplastic material to make it a capital asset for precasters. | Roberto Lopez-Anido, James Anderson, Douglas Gardner, Yousoo Han |
| 11/1/2018 | November 2018 | Three-dimensional surface texture of Portland cement concrete pavements containing nanosilica | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/three-dimensional-surface-texture-of-portland-cement-concrete-pavements-containing-nanosilica/ | Abrasion resistance; Concrete pavements; Friction; Macrotexture; Microtexture; Surface course (Pavements) | Pavement surface texture is critical to tire/pavement interaction. Texture characteristics of concrete containing nanosilica pavement surface has not yet been directly investigated, although researchers have found that nanosilica improved pavement friction values and durability. Specimens with various nanosilica content are tested for three-dimensional (3D) texture height maps which are decomposed using discrete wavelet transform for the calculation of 3D texture indices for macrotexture and microtexture. It is found that 3D texture indices increase correspondingly with the increment of nanosilica content. Significant relationship with R² values between 0.80 and 0.99 is found between various texture indices and nanosilica content. The increased texture amplitude indicates enhanced pavement friction and then safety. The increment of core material volume implies more texture in the core region, which indicates better longevity of texture. The findings of this research agree with the results of other studies that nanosilica increased the abrasion resistance and frictional property of concrete surface. | Qingfan Liu, Marcelo Gonzalez, Susan L. Tighe, Shalaby Ahmed |
| 12/31/17 | December 2017 | Toward Performance Related Specifications for Concrete Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/toward-performance-related-specifications-for-concrete-pavements/ | Performance based specifications | The current level of construction activity provides INDOT with the opportunity to collect information from concrete paving projects which can be used to generate information that may be used to improve the standards and specifications in the next generation of pavements. INDOT is poised to utilize data from pavement projects to develop new approaches for contracting and specification (PRS and PWL specifications). This information may be used to provide high quality contractors with rewards for providing this quality. | |
| 1/1/2020 | January 2020 | Transportation Engineering and Road Research Alliance (TERRA) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/transportation-engineering-and-road-research-alliance-(terra)/ | tech transfer | The purpose of this project is to exchange information regarding pavement research between the participating states to see if research funds can be better allocated. | Debra Fick |
| 1/22/2019 | January 2019 | Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) Use in Florida Structural Applications | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/ultra-high-performance-concrete-(uhpc)-use-in-florida-structural-applications/ | Curing agents; Durability; Mixing; Structures; Test procedures; Ultra high performance concrete | This project will establish testing methods and determine the mixing, placing, curing, and durability requirements necessary to produce durable, non-proprietary ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), made using locally-sourced raw materials for different classes of structural use and exposure conditions. | Kyle A. Riding |
| 7/1/2013 | July 2013 | Unbonded Concrete Pavement/Overlay Monitoring | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/unbonded-concrete-pavement-overlay-monitoring/ | Cast in place concrete; Concrete pavements; Cracking; Fiber optics; Frigid regions; Optimization; Overlays (Pavements); Pavement performance; Sensors | An instrumentation system including electric and optic sensors will have been installed by July 1, 2013 in 6 ft x 6 ft, 3 in-thick unbonded concrete panels and their existing substrates over an approximately 500 ft long distance in cell-40 at MnROAD - a pavement test track located near Albertville, MN. The unbonded concrete pavement/overlay panels will be loaded under a standard design truck or subjected to cold weather effects over the years. Their field performance will provide the required data for a widespread implementation of this potentially viable solution for aging highway pavement rehabilitation. Strain, crack width, temperature, and other environmental factors will be measured periodically to understand loading and environmental effects on the behavior and performance of the ultrathin panels and their interaction with substrates over time. Laboratory tests will also be conducted for calibration and optimization of the sensitivity, spatial resolution, and strain transfer effect of optical fiber sensors with various packaging materials (coatings). Major outcomes will include repeatable and precise installation procedures for various sensors in cast-in-place panel applications, packaging sensor performances in field application, verified sensor specification, and performance data of concrete panels. This project represents a collaborative effort among Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), North Dakota State University (NDSU), and the University of Minnesota (UMN), taking advantage of their experiences in continuous optical fiber sensing, discrete optical fiber sensing, and pavement engineering. | Ying Huang, Genda Chen |
| 10/1/2016 | October 2016 | Updated Analysis of Michigan Traffic Inputs for Pavement-ME Design | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/updated-analysis-of-michigan-traffic-inputs-for-pavement-me-design/ | Analysis; Flexible pavements; Pavement design; Pavement performance; Rigid pavements; Traffic data | The purpose of this study is to characterize traffic inputs in support of the new Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide for the State of Michigan. These traffic characteristics include monthly adjustment factors (MAF), hourly distribution factors (HDF), vehicle class distributions (VCD), axle groups per vehicle (AGPV), and axle load distributions for different axle configurations. Weight and classification data were obtained from 41 Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) sites located throughout the State of Michigan to develop Level 1 (site-specific) traffic inputs. | Syed Waqar Haider, Gopikrishna Musunuru, Neeraj Buch, Olga Selezneva, Praveen Desaraju, Joshua Li |
| 09/15/19 | September 2019 | Use of Bagasse Ash as a Concrete Additive for Road Pavement Applications | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/use-of-bagasse-ash-as-a-concrete-additive-for-road-pavement-applications/ | Ash content, Durability, Highways, Life cycle costing, Materials, Mix design, Pavement design, Pavements, Pozzolan, Pozzolanic action, Waste products | This research will investigate potential uses of sugarcane bagasse ash to reduce the cost and carbon footprint of concrete materials for road pavement construction and maintenance. Bagasse is the fibrous by-product of sugarcane stalks after they are crushed to extract their juice. Fortunately, bagasse ash has also been found to be a suitable supplementary cementitious material (SCM) due to its pozzolanic behavior. Hence, it can be used as an alternative to reduce cement consumption, similar to the current use of fly ash. Pozzolanic additives such as bagasse ash present several benefits, such as lower costs, lower environmental impacts, higher long-term compressive strength at the expense of a small reduction of the 28-day compressive strength, and improved durability. This study's goal is to develop new uses for bagasse ash as an SCM for concrete. In particular, the use of bagasse ash as a partial substitute for cement and fly ash will be investigated. An efficient production method to maximize the pozzolanic activity of bagasse ash will be developed, and the optimal amounts of bagasse ash to obtain desired concrete properties will be identified. The economic feasibility of bagasse ash used as an SCM will be explored through a preliminary life-cycle cost analysis. | Gabriel Arce, Marwa Hassan, Maria Gutierrez-Wing |
| 01/01/23 | January 2023 | Use of Concrete Grinding Residue as a Soil Amendment TR-764 | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/use-of-concrete-grinding-residue-as-a-soil-amendment-tr-764/ | Concrete pavements; Diamond grinding; Erosion control; Modulus of elasticity; Soil stabilization; Waste products (Materials) | Concrete diamond grinding on pavement projects generates a nonhazardous waste byproduct called concrete grinding residue (CGR). CGR has known cementitious characteristics that suggest a latent use as a soil-stabilizing amendment, especially for poor and problematic soils. In this study, Western Iowa loess soil was amended with CGR and subjected to rainfall simulations and wind erosion tests to measure the erodibility of several soil mixtures. The results of the rainfall simulations showed that CGR-amended silty soil (loess) had only slightly different optimum moisture contents and maximum dry densities compared to untreated loess, while rainwater runoff samples of CGR-amended loess exhibited dramatically higher turbidity and total suspended solids. The results of the wind erosion tests showed that erosion was lower in more granular shoulder material and higher in shoulder material containing more organics. Wind erosion tests performed on CGR-amended Western Iowa loess showed modest improvement in this highly friable silty soil compared to untreated loess. A field study conducted in Washington and Clinton Counties in Iowa compared CGR-stabilized and untreated sections to determine the effectiveness of CGR as a stabilizer for shoulder material. The CGR-stabilized sections in Washington County did not show significant improvement in strength, while the CGR-stabilized sections in Clinton County exhibited a 20% to 40% improvement in the composite elastic modulus and California bearing ratio values. | Patrick E. Bollinger, Md Jibon, Masrur Mahedi, Bo Yang, Bora Cetin, Halil Ceylan, Michael A. Perez |
| 6/1/2014 | June 2014 | Use of Concrete Pavement Overlays on U.S. 58 in Virginia | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/use-of-concrete-pavement-overlays-on-u.s.-58-in-virginia.--/ | Alternatives analysis; Bituminous overlays; Concrete overlays; Continuously reinforced concrete pavements; Costs; Rehabilitation (Maintenance) | Asphalt overlays are typically used to extend the life of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) because they can be placed in one or more layers while traffic uses the adjacent lane and can be opened to traffic in a short time. Hydraulic cement concrete overlays have also been used to extend the life of CRCP but have often not been considered an alternative to asphalt because of the higher cost and longer curing time. In 2012, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) rehabilitated a 4.8-mi section of the westbound lanes of a CRCP on U.S. 58 in Southampton County using a 4-in.-thick bonded concrete overlay and a 7-in-thick unbonded concrete overlay with a 1-in. asphalt separation layer. The four-lane, divided primary highway is an 8-in.-thick CRCP placed over a 6-in. cement-treated aggregate layer. Saw cutting was used to form joints at 6 ft by 6 ft panels for an unbonded overlay, and tie bars were used along the centerline of the pavement and along both shoulders. A concrete overlay was placed on the shoulders of the unbonded overlay, and asphalt was placed on the shoulders of the bonded overlay. Two layers of asphalt with a total thickness of 5 in. were placed on a 9.75-mi section of the eastbound lane of U.S. 58, which provided cost information that was used to compare the alternatives. Since traffic management was very different for the two projects, definitive conclusions on the total cost of asphalt versus concrete overlays could not be drawn. On the basis of material costs alone, concrete and asphalt can be competitive options for extending the service life of CRCP. Construction of the concrete overlays was successfully executed on time. The concrete was of high quality with good strength and low permeability. The bonded overlay is well bonded. The ride quality was much better than for the original pavement. Using the initial cost of materials in-place, the cost of the bonded and unbonded overlays was approximately the same, at an average of $36 to $38 per square yard. The unit cost of patching concrete pavements is approximately 6 times the cost of the bonded concrete overlay and approximately 4 times the cost of an unbonded overlay. VDOT's Materials Division should consider the use of bonded concrete overlays to extend the life of CRCPs that are in good condition and need little patching (<10%) prior to placement of the overlay and should consider the use of unbonded concrete overlays as an alternative to patching to extend the life of CRCP that needs more than 10 percent patching. Further, the Materials Division should advertise overlay projects allowing alternate designs using stone-matrix asphalt and hydraulic cement concrete to determine if they are competitive alternatives. VDOT's Traffic Engineering Division should explore innovative traffic management plans for pavement rehabilitation to reduce maintenance of traffic costs. | Michael M. Sprinkel, Celik Ozyildirim, M. Shabbir Hossain, Mohamed K. Elfino, Chung Wu, Affan Habib |
| 10/17/2016 | October 2016 | Use of Crushed Recycled Glass in the Construction of Local Roadways | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/use-of-crushed-recycled-glass-in-the-construction-of-local-roadways/ | Aggregates; Feasibility analysis; Glass; Paving materials; Recommendations; Recycled materials; Road construction; Sustainable development; Waste products | Glass cullet is produced from crushing waste glass collected in municipal and industrial waste streams to a uniform size. Currently, it is primarily used in Ohio in new glass container manufacturing; however, only clear glass cullet can be used. As a result, colored glass cullet has a relatively low market value as color sorting can be expensive. When market prices drop too low for long periods, some of the glass is sent to landfills instead of subsequent recycling because storage space can be limited or costly. One possible solution is using crushed glass in the construction of civil infrastructures. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) does not have a specification for using glass cullet as an aggregate. This is in part due to concerns with the propensity for glass to strip in the presence of moisture resulting in issues with asphalt binder sticking in the surface course and an overall lack of a consistent supply of product. Although ODOT has chosen not to pursue the incorporation of glass cullet in interstate and highway applications, some local public agencies (LPA) are of the opinion that there may be an appropriate application of this material in the local system. The potential to mix crushed glass cullet into aggregates exists for many applications including roadway and parking lot base or leveling courses, glasphalt, pipe bedding and backfill, drainage material, fill and concrete. Using a recycled product, like crushed glass, can have environmental benefits to projects seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or National Green Building Standard (NGBS) certification. Because local roads have different traffic types, volumes, and patterns requiring the use of different types of mixtures and aggregates than those typically utilized for interstates and highways, research is needed to analyze the application of recycled crushed glass on local transportation projects. The goal of this research is to assess the feasibility of using crushed recycled glass as an aggregate in local roadway construction. The objective is to develop recommendations for implementing the use of crushed recycled glass in local roadway applications in Ohio that do not adversely affect the performance or durability of the pavement or structure. The results of this research will provide local officials with enhanced knowledge of recycled glass cullet and its potential for use in local transportation projects. The findings of this research will either validate or disprove the perception that utilizing glass cullet as part of an aggregate mix is feasible in local roadway construction and can lead to cost savings while maintaining performance. The results of this research may also produce environmental benefits as it could maximize the use of a recyclable material and lead to a reduction in landfills and waste | Junliang (Julian) Tao |
| 07/31/24 | July 2024 | Use of Geogrid in Pavement Systems to Provide Longer Service Life and Reduced Maintenance | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/use-of-geogrid-in-pavement-systems-to-provide-longer-service-life-and-reduced-maintenance/ | Field tests; Geogrids; Laboratory tests; Pavement maintenance; Properties of materials; Service life | In 2010, a section of roadway on Utah SR 10 near Emery, Utah was reconstructed using a geogrid-reinforced pavement system. This project was intended to demonstrate the effectiveness of geogrid in reducing cost, providing longer service life, and reducing long-term maintenance of the pavement system. This roadway carries between 200 to 300 coal trucks per day in each direction. A test section was constructed first to evaluate the effectiveness of four different biaxial geogrids. While this test section has performed well, much of the remaining roadway section has required significant multiple maintenance procedures to keep it functional. The primary objectives of this research project are to evaluate forensically the test section and the rest of the roadway to determine why the test section has performed well but the rest has not; evaluate the performance of each of the four geogrids; determine the benefit, if any, provided by the geogrid to the pavement system; and develop methods to evaluate the use of geogrid on other pavement systems. These objectives will be accomplished by obtaining and evaluating distress data and field construction records; analyzing historical FWD data; performing other field tests to evaluate the engineering properties of the pavement system and subgrade soils; obtaining samples of the asphaltic wearing surface, the supporting soils and the geogrid; conducting various laboratory tests on collected samples to determine their engineering properties; and performing large-scale tests in the University of Utah's 42-inch diameter pipe test setup to compare the performance of each geogrid under controlled testing conditions. | Evert Lawton, Pedro Romero |
| 3/1/2018 | March 2018 | Use of Lightweight Sand for Internal Curing to Improve Performance of Concrete Infrastructure | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/use-of-lightweight-sand-for-internal-curing-to-improve-performance-of-concrete-infrastructure/ | Internal Curing, dry shrinkage, compressive strength, LWS | The goal of this project was to develop an effective methodology to use saturated lightweight sand (LWS) for internal curing to enhance concrete performance and prolong service life of concrete structures. High-performance concrete (HPC) mixtures approved by MoDOT for pavement and bridge deck structures were used for the baseline mixtures. Five different types of saturated LWS employed at various contents were investigated to evaluate the optimum dosage of LWS and maximize its effectiveness on enhancing concrete performance. The content of LWS was varied to ensure the introduction of internal curing water that can secure up to 150% of the water consumed by chemical shrinkage during cement hydration (As per ASTM C1761). Performance improvement from the LWS focused mainly on reducing autogenous and drying shrinkage and the resulting cracking potential without sacrificing durability and cost competence. Proper combinations of internal and external curing were found to enhance shrinkage mitigation. Under 7 days of initial moisture curing, HPC made with the LWS3 resulted in the lowest overall shrinkage. The Bridge-LWS2-150% exhibited the best performance in mitigating autogenous shrinkage where the concrete maintained 160 micro-strain of expansion even after 175 days of age. The lowest drying shrinkage was obtained with the BridgeLWS3-50% mixture (340 micro-strain) at 175 days subjected to 28 days of moist curing. For the paving HPC, the lowest drying shrinkage at 155 days was obtained with the Paving-LWS3-150% mixture (265 micro-strain) subjected to 28 days of moist curing. Concrete proportioned with the LWS2 expanded shale LWS exhibited the best compressive strength, regardless of the curing regime. For the paving HPC, the lowest drying shrinkage at 155 days was obtained with the Paving-LWS3-150% mixture (265 micro-strain) subjected to 28 days of moist curing. | Kamal H. Khayat, Weina Meng, Mahdi Valipour, Matthew Hopkins |
| 5/10/2016 | May 2016 | Use of Lime Kiln Dust for Treated Subgrades | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/use-of-lime-kiln-dust-for-treated-subgrades/ | Alternatives analysis; Kiln dust; Limestone; Soil stabilization; Subgrade (Pavements) | The objective of this research study is to investigate lime kiln dust materials for stabilization in comparison with lime. Four soils with which lime is scheduled to be used will be selected. | Jamal Kakrasul, Robert L. Parsons, Jie Han |
| 2/1/2014 | February 2014 | Use of Nevada's Natural Pozzolan to Mitigate Alkali-Silicate Reactivity | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/use-of-nevada?s-natural-pozzolan-to-mitigate-alkali-silicate-reactivity/ | Alkali silica reactions; Alternate fuels; Carbon dioxide; Cement; Fly ash; Pollutants; Pozzolan; Sustainable development; Thermal efficiency | Alkali-silica reactivity is one of the most recognized deleterious phenomena in Portland cement concrete resulting in cracks, spalling, and other deleterious mechanisms. The aim of this study was (i) to assess the extent of reactivity of the aggregates, quarried from seven different sources, suspected of being conducive to ASR, and (ii) to compare the effectiveness of industrial (Class F fly ash) and natural pozzolans in mitigation of alkali-silica reactivity of the studied aggregates. To this end, seven aggregate sources, four natural pozzolan sources, and one source of Class F fly ash were used. ASTM Type V Portland cement was replaced at four levels of 15, 20, 25, and 30% by different pozzolan types and sources. A uniform water-to-cementitious materials ratio of 0.47 was used. Beam shaped mortars were tested for ASR-induced expansion for eight weeks. In addition, companion mortar cubes cured for 90 days in a salt-water environment and in a controlled moisture room were tested in compression. The findings of this investigation revealed that the ASR mitigation of the studied aggregates depended on the aggregate source, natural pozzolan source and content, and immersion age. For nearly all natural and industrial pozzolans used in this study, 15% by weight of Portland cement was sufficient to mitigate alkali-silica reactivity of the studied reactive aggregates. The loss in strength of the studied mortars also depended on aggregate and natural pozzolan types and sources, and reduced with increases in Portland cement substitution level. Overall, the four natural pozzolan sources used in this study exhibited similar to better performance, in comparison to that of the Class F Fly ash, in suppressing the alkali-silica reactivity of the reactive aggregates. | Nader Ghafoori, Arash Kian |
| 5/8/2017 | May 2017 | Use of Rice Hull Ash (RHA) as a Sustainable Source of Construction Material | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/use-of-rice-hull-ash-(rha)-as-a-sustainable-source-of-construction-material/ | Alkali silica reactions; Compressive strength; Concrete; Durability; Pozzolan; Tensile strength | Rice hull ash (RHA) is a cementitious material, which may contain about 75% silica in an amorphous form and has an extremely high surface area. RHA is also economically beneficial, but its performance as a construction material has been investigated very little. High silica content makes it a probable pozzolanic material for concrete by following the Roman Concrete technology. The main objective of the proposed study is to assess the usage of rice hull ash (RHA) as a construction material. Specific objectives are given as: (i) evaluate chemical, physical and strength and expansion properties of RHA-modified concrete based on curing time and environmental conditions; and (ii) assess the feasibility of using RHA as an alternative modifier to enhance performance properties of soft asphalt binders. These objectives will be accomplished by testing RHA-modified samples in laboratories. Strength properties (compressive, tensile, elastic modulus, etc.) and alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) properties of RHA-modified concrete at different curing time will be evaluated. Rheological properties of RHA-modified asphalt binders will be determined by following the routine and Superpave test protocols. The benefits of the proposed study are (a) reuse of waste materials in transportation construction projects, (b) enhance training opportunity for students in the Mississippi Delta region, (c) help local farmers and asphalt industries to be economically sustainable, and (d) build a future workforce. | Zahid Hossain |
| 3/15/2018 | March 2018 | Use of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) in Flowable Fill Concrete Mix Material | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/use-of-rice-husk-ash-(rha)-in-flowable-fill-concrete-mix-material/ | Admixtures; Ash content; Concrete; Durability; Feasibility analysis; Flowable fill; Mix design; Pozzolan; Waste products; Construction; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; Pavements | Rice hull (RH) is one of the main agricultural residues obtained from the outer covering of rice grains during the milling process. RH constitutes 20% of about 700 million tons of paddy produced in the world. When burnt, 20% of RH is transformed into rice husk ash (RHA). RHA is a cementitious material, and locally produced RHA in Arkansas contains about 75% silica in an amorphous form and has an extremely high surface area. RHA is also economically beneficial in producing concrete, but its performance as a construction material has been investigated very little. Based on the preliminary data of the research team of this project, locally produced RHA is not capable of producing “regular” concrete of compressive strength of greater than 3000 psi. Rather, low strength concrete such as Flowable Fill Concrete (FFC) can be produced using the “as is” RHA. However, the usage, test protocols and procedures of FFC are different from “regular” concrete. Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has ranked this problem statement in its Top 10 Problems for possible solution in 2018-2019. The main objective of the proposed study is to assess the feasibility of the use local RHA in producing FFC. Specific objectives are to: (i) prepare FFC and determine their workability and flow behavior, (ii) evaluate the effect of curing time and environmental conditions on strength properties and durability of RHA-modified FFC, and (iii) evaluate the optimum dosages of RHA as pozzolan in preparing FFC. | Zahid Hossain |
| 8/14/2018 | August 2018 | Vertical Impedance Scanner for Concrete Bridge Deck Assessment without Direct Rebar Attachment | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/vertical-impedance-scanner-for-concrete-bridge-deck-assessment-without-direct-rebar-attachment/ | Detecting corrosion bridge decks | This project will develop and implement a multichannel vertical impedance scanner with large area electrode to detect corrosion in bridge decks without direct rebar connection. In Stage 1, a trailer with improved electrodes will be constructed that could be quickly unfolded and deployed by a single person in the field to scan a 12-ft-wide lane. Through improved electronics, simultaneous parallel measurements will be demonstrated. DGPS and LiDAR measurements will be incorporated. Additional software will be developed for combining DGPS and Lidar data and distance measurements. Automated mapping routines will be developed for presentation of impedance data to end users. At least six decks with overlays (epoxy or bituminous) will be tested. Passes at multiple speeds will be performed to understand appropriate rates for data collection both in terms of spatial coverage and localizing specific types of defects. The collected data will inform recommendations for the use of the technology. Preliminary specifications will be developed for the technology based on the test results. In Stage 2, results from Stage 1 work will be used to revise the multi-channel system with improved probes and computer algorithms. All system components will be connected through a networking device and controlled through a custom graphical user interface running on an attached laptop. Success will be achieved when the apparatus is controlled using a laptop and data acquisition using six channels across the full width of a traffic lane is performed faster than 1500 ft2/minute. The design of critical prototype features will be documented. | Brian Mazzeo |
| 7/1/2016 | July 2016 | Waterproofing Options for Bridge Decks | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/waterproofing-options-for-bridge-decks/ | Bridge decks; Laboratory tests; Performance; Waterproofing; Waterproofing materials | The increased use of deicing chemicals requires that some bridge decks be waterproofed to maintain their good condition. A variety of options are available, each of which has varying degrees of effectiveness, cost, and longevity. There are a range of waterproofing options including waterproofing membranes, polymer asphalts and laminates. Some of those can be maintained over the life of a bridge with periodic renewal of the wearing surface. Others can be replaced easily. Some membranes can be applied by state crews while others must be applied by external contractors. These options need to be investigated to create a toolkit of options for treating bridge decks. | Ted Hopwood |
| 10/1/2014 | October 2014 | White Paper on the Application of Permeable Pavement with Emphasis on Successful Design, Water Quality Benefits, and Identification of Knowledge and Data Gaps for Sustainable Transportation | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/white-paper-on-the-application-of-permeable-pavement-with-emphasis-on-successful-design,-water-quality-benefits,-and-identification-of-knowledge-and-data-gaps-for-sustainable-transportation.--/ | Best practices; Hydraulics; Pavement performance; Permeability; Runoff; Sustainable transportation; Water quality | Permeable pavement presented in this paper is defined as a type of pavement that has ability to store stormwater until it infiltrates through the subgrade soil and can function as a conventional pavement to carry specific traffic load and speed. Hence, open graded friction course (OGFC) that is an overlay of open graded pavement installed over conventional pavements is not discussed in this paper. Depending on surface pavement, permeable pavements are generally grouped as porous asphalt (PA), pervious concrete (PC), and permeable interlocking concrete pavers (PICP). For permeable pavement to function well, regardless of the type of surface pavement, it is required to satisfy both the structural and hydrologic requirements. If designed and constructed well, then permeable pavement also can act as a best management practice and often viewed as an alternative low impact development option for urban areas. | Masoud Kayhanian |
| 9/1/2014 | September 2014 | Calibration and Implementation of the AASHTO Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Guide in Arizona | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/calibration-and-implementation-of-the-aashto-mechanistic-empirical-pavement-design-guide-in-arizona/ | Bituminous overlays, Calibration, Composite pavements, Flexible pavements, Mathematical models, Mechanistic-empirical pavement design, Modulus of resilience, Rigid pavements, Validation | This report documents efforts of the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to implement the America Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) DARWin-ME pavement design guide in Arizona. The research team also prepared a practical stand-alone user's guide that provides guidance for obtaining inputs, conducting design, and establishing the recommended pavement design. Implementation focused on identifying the desired pavement design application of flexible hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavements, composite pavements (thin asphalt rubber friction course over jointed plain concrete pavement [JPCP] and continuously reinforced concrete pavement [CRCP]), JPCP, and HMA overlays of flexible pavement; characterizing materials and subgrades; determining traffic loadings (conducted under Darter et al. 2010); collecting and assembling DARWin-ME input data from 180 Long Term Pavement Performance and pavement management system sections of flexible, rigid, composite, and rehabilitated pavements; calibrating the DARWin-ME distress and International Roughness Index (IRI) prediction models to Arizona conditions; and training ADOT staff. Several biased distress and IRI models were corrected through the local calibration of Arizona pavements. Several key inputs were more accurately defined and Arizona defaults provided (e.g., subgrade resilient modulus). The calibration process improved these models through verification, validation, and calibration with Arizona data. Overall, the inputs and calibrated models will provide more accurate, reliable, and cost?effective pavement designs than designs created with global calibrations. | Michael I Darter, Leslie Titus-Glover, Harold Von Quintus, Biplab B Bhattacharya, Jagannath Mallela |
| 7/1/2017 | July 2017 | Development of a Life-cycle Assessment Tool for Pavement Preservation and Maintenance on Flexible and Rigid Pavement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-a-life-cycle-assessment-tool-for-pavement-preservation-and-maintenance-on-flexible-and-rigid-pavement/ | Preservation, Life Cycle Assessment, Tool, Maintenance, Flexible Pavement, Rigid Pavement, Pavement Performance, Cost Cycle | A complete life-cycle assessment (LCA) methodology was developed to quantify sustainability impacts of preservation activities for asphalt and concrete surfaced pavements. The LCA models and methodology was implemented in a software tool to support making project-level decisions in between various preservation and rehabilitation activities. The key components of the development include the inventory analysis used in the LCA calculations, treatment lifetime models and decision trees for preservation treatment selection. A nationwide survey was conducted through questionnaires. Questionnaires were designed specifically to target collecting data to build lifetime models in addition to agency experiences and practices. Decision trees were developed to guide decision makers to select from various preservation and rehabilitation options for a given existing pavement condition and traffic information. Data for the LCA also included that available in the literature or other publicly and commercially available databases to determine the LCA impacts of different preservation and maintenance schedules. The LCA scope includes materials, construction, maintenance and rehabilitation, and use stages. The inventory analysis was performed on data applicable to all regions in the United States. A tool was developed with a user-friendly interface using pay items as the building block for the ease of future implementation. The tool was intended for the engineers in state and local agencies, practitioners in the industry, and contractors. A sustainability analysis is presented to compare individual treatments or a schedule of treatments. | Qingwen Zhou, Egemen Okte, Sushobhan Sen, Hasan Ozer, Imad L. Al-Qadi, Jeffery R. Roesler, Karim Chatti |
| 8/15/2019 | August 2019 | Field Implementation and Monitoring of an Ultra-High Performance Concrete Bridge Deck Overlay | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/field-implementation-and-monitoring-of-an-ultra-high-performance-concrete-bridge-deck-overlay/ | Bridge decks, Evaluation and assessment, Overlays (Pavements), Rehabilitation (Maintenance), Service life, Ultra high performance concrete | Overlays are placed on existing concrete bridge decks to increase cover for the deck reinforcing steel, improve rideability, and improve skid resistance. Previous research has demonstrated that ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has the potential to increase service lives of bridge deck overlays, and subsequently, the underlying concrete deck, because it has exceptional durability properties and contains silica fume that facilitates bond to substrate concretes. This research project will document, monitor, and assess the field implementation of a UHPC overlay produced with local materials on a bridge in Socorro, NM. This will be the first non-proprietary UHPC overlay constructed in the U.S. The research project consists of a comprehensive literature review to identify best practices for UHPC technologies and overlay construction methods. Short and long-term monitoring plans will then be developed for assessing the performance of the constructed UHPC overlay. Data collected during construction will include weather data, construction sequence, and other observations that might influence the quality of the completed project. After construction, the short and long-term monitoring plans that include mechanical, physical, and nondestructive testing, will be initiated, and the assessment of the initial measurements will be reported in the final research report. | Brad Weldon, Craig Newtson |
| 8/14/2019 | August 2019 | Engineered Geopolymer Composites (EGC) for Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/engineered-geopolymer-composites-(egc)-for-sustainable-transportation-infrastructure/ | Bond strength (Materials), Costs, Durability, Engineered materials, Fly ash, Geopolymer concrete, Mix design, Pavements, Repairing, Strain hardening | The objective of this study is to develop novel Engineered Geopolymer Composites (EGCs) implementing locally available ingredients to produce a new generation of materials that are practical, cost-effective, and eco-friendly for repair and new construction of transportation infrastructure in the South-Central region. In order to achieve this objective, EGC mixtures will be designed with different types and proportions of locally available precursor materials (mainly locally available fly ash and metakaolin). EGCs fresh and hardened properties will be evaluated to identify key parameters ensuring EGC strain hardening response as well as optimum design of the composition balancing fresh and hardened properties. Furthermore, bonding properties of EGC with regular concrete will be assessed. Finally, a cost analysis for EGC implementation will be performed by comparing the cost of EGC materials to current materials utilized in the field. | |
| 8/14/2019 | August 2019 | One Mat Vs. Two Mats of Reinforcing Steel in 12 and 13 CRCP | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/one-mat-vs.-two-mats-of-reinforcing-steel-in-12-and-13-crcp/ | Continuously reinforced concrete pavements, Distress, Pavement cracking, Transverse reinforcement | The distresses observed lately in thick CRCP sections in Texas are quite different from typical distress types that have long been recognized in CRCP – namely punchouts and spalling. The new distress type is characterized by segmentation of slabs at transverse cracks, generally under the wheel paths. Forensic investigations conducted to identify the cause(s) of those distresses indicate delamination of the slab at the depth of longitudinal steel. It appears that thicker slabs with longitudinal steel placed at mid-depth of the slab result in longer transverse crack spacing, which increases warping stresses. The increased warping stresses in concrete induce horizontal cracking at the steel depth, and wheel loading applications in this area cause segmentation of the upper half of concrete slabs, resulting in serious distresses. This project will investigate the mechanism of this distress type, and develop optimum steel designs. The investigation will consist of evaluating structural responses of CRCP through theoretical analyses as well as field experiments where various steel designs (different steel depths for one-mat and configurations for two-mat) are employed. The results of data analyses from both mechanistic analyses and field experiments will be used to develop optimum steel designs in CRCP. | Moon Won |
| 08/01/19 | August 2019 | Optimized Design Details for Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/optimized-design-details-for-continuously-reinforced-concrete-pavements/ | Concrete pavements, Continuously reinforced concrete pavements, Optimization, Pavement design, Paving | CRC pavements have a long history of good performance in the United States and other countries when designed and constructed well. Many U.S. highway agencies consider CRC pavements their pavement of choice for implementing long-life pavement strategies that have lower life-cycle costs and require fewer lane closures for routine maintenance and repair/rehabilitation. Since the 1950s, CRCP design and construction practices have advanced considerably, resulting in a truly low-maintenance concrete pavement. | Shiraz Tayabji, Mike Plei |
| 12/18/2019 | December 2019 | Technology Transfer Concrete Consortium (FY20-FY24) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/technology-transfer-concrete-consortium-(fy20-fy24)/ | Concrete pavements, Cooperation, Research management, State departments of transportation, Technology transfer | The goal of the Technology Transfer Concrete Consortium (TTCC) is to: (1) Identify needed research priorities by region; (2) Provide a forum for technology exchange between participants; (3) Develop and fund technology transfer materials; (4) Provide on-going communication of research needs faced by state agencies to the FHWA, industry, and CP Tech Center; and (5) Provide technical leadership for concrete related national initiatives to advance state-of-the-art construction and material practices. It is anticipated that this consortium would become the national forum for state involvement in the technical exchange needed for collaboration and new initiatives and provide tactical strategies and solutions to issues identified by the member states. | |
| 6/1/2019 | June 2019 | Alternative Cementitious Materials (ACMs) For Durable and Sustainable Transportation Infrastructures | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/alternative-cementitious-materials-(acms)-for-durable-and-sustainable-transportation-infrastructures/ | Alternatives analysis, Binders, Cement, Durability, Frigid regions, Materials, Portland cement, Service life | Concrete produced with Alternative Cementitious Materials (ACMs) often exhibits superior mechanical performances and lower carbon footprint compared to those produced with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). ACMs also allow utilizing high-volume of industrial by-products as the binding materials instead of OPC, thus offering an environment-friendly alternative of traditional concrete. However, the durability performances of ACMs can vary depending on the selection of the reaction route (i.e., strength gaining mechanism). As a result, any definite evidence on the service life performances and life cycle cost of these materials are still in infancy. To address these challenges, the research team will investigate the durability performances of ACM concrete in comparison to those of traditional OPC-concrete, specifically for typical cold-climatic regions. Two ACM systems will be evaluated in this project, including (i) alkali-activated binders and (ii) CO2 activated binders. | Warda Ashraf |
| 12/01/19 | December 2019 | Guidelines for Building Smooth Concrete Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/guidelines-for-building-smooth-concrete-pavements/ | Concrete pavement, Smoothness, Specifications, Field trial, RTS | Real-time smoothness (RTS) technology is arguably one of the most impactful technologies for concrete pavement construction quality control resulting from the Second Strategic Highway Research (SHRP2) Program. Contractors participating in equipment loans through the SHRP2 Solutions Implementation Assistance Program have quickly realized the benefits of RTS for improving smoothness for as-constructed concrete pavement in order to achieve smoothness specification requirements while maximizing incentives and minimizing disincentives and corrective actions. | Peter Taylor |
| 1/1/2019 | January 2019 | Development of Non-Proprietary UHPC Mix (University of Oklahoma) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-non-proprietary-uhpc-mix-(university-of-oklahoma)/ | Bridge construction, Bridges, Durability, Guidelines, Joints (Engineering), Local materials, Mix design, Reinforcing bars, Shear properties, Ultra high performance concrete | Deterioration of bridges can often be related to poor performance of longitudinal connections or transverse deck joints, which can be more frequent when precast panels are used for accelerated bridge construction. Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is a relatively recent advancement in cementitious composite materials with mechanical and durability properties far exceeding those of conventional concrete. It combines a high percentage of steel fibers with an optimized gradation of granular constituents, resulting in a compressive strength in excess of 22 ksi, a high post-cracking tensile strength, and exceptional durability. The short reinforcing bar development lengths and exceptional durability provided by UHPC lead to great potential for use in bridge deck joints, other applications for accelerated bridge construction, and as a repair material. The long-term benefits of using UHPC in a number of applications are evident, but commercially available proprietary mixture formulations are very expensive and mix design using local materials is much more complicated than for conventional concrete. | Royce Floyd |
| 1/1/2019 | January 2019 | Development of Non-Proprietary UHPC Mix (Iowa State University) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-non-proprietary-uhpc-mix-(iowa-state-university)/ | Cost effectiveness, Fibers, Laboratory tests, Local materials, Mix design, Ultra high performance concrete | Despite superior strength and durability, the use of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) in conventional concrete applications has been limited mainly due to cost considerations. While the former efforts have made advances in the development of non-proprietary UHPC mixtures, the cost of the final product has still remained too high for an immediate implementation. A study completed by FHWA (2013) outlined promising advances made in the development of non-proprietary UHPC mixes with a material cost ranging from $355 to $500 per cubic yard, excluding the cost of fibers. Addition of steel fibers was reported to increase the total cost by up to $470 per cubic yard. In a very recent study completed at Iowa State University, it was found that the total material cost can be reduced to $450 per cubic yard if non-proprietary mixes with local materials are developed. The cost analysis showed that almost half of the total cost is to purchase steel fibers. As steel fibers are the main contributor to the unit cost of UHPC and they are also prone to chloride-induced corrosion, this project explores alternative fibers with optimal dosages for UHPC. This project develops and characterizes economic, non-proprietary UHPC mixes made with materials locally available. This will be achieved through a holistic set of laboratory experiments that will be primarily focused on the choice of fibers, which are known as the costliest ingredient of UHPC mixes. | Behrouz Shafei |
| 11/1/2015 | November 2015 | Optimized Joint Spacing for Concrete Overlays with and without Structural Fiber Reinforcement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/optimized-joint-spacing-for-concrete-overlays-with-and-without-structural-fiber-reinforcement/ | Concrete pavement overlay, Contraction joint activation, Contraction joint spacing, Fiber reinforcement, Overlay joint optimization | The objective of this project was to determine the optimum joint spacing for thin concrete overlays based on different concrete overlay thicknesses, support systems, and concrete overlay types with and without structural macro-fibers. In thin concrete overlays, field observations have sometimes shown that not all contraction joints activate initially and, in some cases, do not activate until many years after construction. Contraction joints that do not activate may be considered an inefficient design that may lead to unnecessary maintenance efforts and costs. The optimum joint spacing design may need to be determined based on factors other than those that are currently considered. | Jerod Gross, Dan King, Halil Ceylan, Yu-An Chen, Peter Taylor |
| 4/30/2015 | April 2015 | Extended Life Concrete Bridge Decks Utilizing Improved Internal Curing to Reduce Cracking | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/extended-life-concrete-bridge-decks-utilizing-improved-internal-curing-to-reduce-cracking/ | Bridge decks, Concrete bridges, Concrete curing, Cracking, Fine aggregates, Laboratory tests, Life cycle costing, Load tests, Mix design, Service life, Slag cement | With the ongoing concern about premature cracking of concrete bridge decks that reduces the service life of bridges and results in increased maintenance and replacement costs, this work aimed at assessing the benefits of using lightweight fine aggregate (LWFA) in concrete mixtures to assist the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) in preparing a specification to increase the probability of achieving crack-free, long-lasting bridge decks. A laboratory testing program led to a recommended mix design for implementation on a bridge construction project in Ohio. The design included the use of 50% slag cement and LWFA for internal curing. Construction of two bridge decks involved a control using a conventional mix design and the other containing the recommended mixture. The decks were instrumented and load tested shortly after construction and inspected one year after placement. No differences in structural performance were noted, but there were far fewer cracks in the test deck compared to the control. A life-cycle cost analysis was also conducted and shown that the premium for the recommended mixture would be recovered in reduced maintenance over the life of the bridge. | Xuhao Wang, Peter Taylore, Katelyn Freeseman, Payam Vosoughi |
| 4/1/2016 | April 2016 | Automated Plate Load Testing on Concrete Pavement Overlays with Geotextile and Asphalt Interlayers: Poweshiek County Road V-18 | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/automated-plate-load-testing-on-concrete-pavement-overlays-with-geotextile-and-asphalt-interlayers:-poweshiek-county-road-v-18/ | AC interlayer, geotextile interlayer, interlayer test, PCC overlay | Automated plate load testing (APLT) was conducted on County Road V-18 in Poweshiek County, Iowa, to assess and compare performance of unbonded concrete overlay sections constructed in 2008–2009. The unbonded overlays on County Road V-18 were constructed in selected areas using an asphalt concrete (AC) interlayer or a non-woven geotextile fabric interlayer. Wiegand et al. (2010) documented the construction techniques and materials used to build the test sections (project TR-600). The results of the study documented here provide a new assessment of the in situ deformation and composite modulus of the test sections. | David J. White and Peter Taylor |
| 4/1/2019 | April 2019 | Development of Non-Proprietary Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) for Iowa Bridges TR-773 | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-non-proprietary-ultra-high-performance-concrete-(uhpc)-for-iowa-bridges-tr-773/ | Bridges, Cost effectiveness, Durability, Fibers, Laboratory tests, Literature reviews, Mix design, Optimization, Ultra high performance concrete | The main objectives of this project are to develop and characterize economic, non-proprietary UHPC mixes made with materials readily available in Iowa. These mixes are expected to be significantly less expensive than commercially available UHPC mixes, permitting to utilize the superior strength and durability of UHPC in more bridges in Iowa. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive review of published and unpublished literature will be conducted, followed by setting the performance criteria needed for various bridge components and exposure conditions. A special effort will be made to identify the materials that are available in Iowa and have the potential to replace the proprietary UHPC ingredients. Based on the information obtained from the literature review and the past experience of the proposing team, a number of non-proprietary mixes will be designed. A holistic set of laboratory tests will then be carried out to assess the performance of the developed UHPC mixes in both short and long term. The testing program will include the necessary experiments to ensure that the expected fresh, mechanical, transport, durability, and dimensional stability properties are achieved. Upon the completion of the laboratory tests, a cost analysis will be conducted to determine the most cost-effective, non-proprietary UHPC mixes for bridge applications. Noting that almost half of the total cost of a UHPC mix comes from steel fibers, the proposing team will explore the possibility of replacing them with other less expensive choices of fiber through an ABC UTC-sponsored project that will supplement the current project. This combined effort will be an important step forward to optimize and recommend the mixture proportion of non-proprietary UHPC mixes appropriate for a wide range of bridge applications in Iowa. To achieve the objectives of this project, five tasks are proposed. The tasks will be performed in very close communication with a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) throughout the duration of the project. To this end, the research team plans to hold quarterly meetings with the TAC to update them on progress and to ensure that the research direction is as desired. | Behrouz Shafei |
| 2/1/2019 | February 2019 | Performance Evaluation of Very Early Strength Latex Modified Concrete TR-771 (Phase III of TR-690) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/performance-evaluation-of-very-early-strength-latex-modified-concrete-tr-771-(phase-iii-of-tr-690)/ | Bridge construction, Bridges, Evaluation and assessment, Latex modified concrete, Life cycle costing, Mechanical properties, Overlays (Pavements), Pavement performance, Quality assurance, Quality control, Recommendations | The overall goal of this proposed research is to explore the potential use of Very Early Strength Latex Modified Concrete (LMC-VE) in Iowa bridge overlays. This will be achieved through a study of the first Iowa LMC-VE overlay practice on the IA 15 over Black Cat Creek Bridge. The specific approaches to this defined goal include the following: (1) To document and identify the benefits and problems in construction of the LMC-VE overlay at the selected bridge. The documentation will include the information on the uses of materials, construction conditions and procedures, and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) methods and procedures. (2) To evaluate the key engineering properties (such as compressive and flexural strength, tensile adhesion bond strength, chloride penetration resistance, and fiction index) of LMC-VE using standard and accelerated test methods. (3) To monitor the field performance of the constructed LMC-VE overlay up to 5 years. (4) To conduct a life cycle cost analysis in a comparison of the LMC-VE overlay with a conventional rigid overlay. (5) To analyze the research results, understand LMC-VE performance, and provide insights and recommendations for future use of LMC-VE overlays for Iowa bridges. | Kejin Wang, Brent Phares, Katelyn Freeseman |
| 04/01/19 | April 2019 | Fiber-Reinforced Concrete for Pavement Overlays: Technical Overview | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/fiber-reinforced-concrete-for-pavement-overlays:-technical-overview/ | concrete overlays, fiber-reinforced concrete, macrofibers | This report summarizes the state of the art regarding different fiber types, test methods, structural design, and the construction modifications required to accommodate fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) materials in concrete overlays. This document is a companion report to Overview of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks, which summarizes the experience from existing bridge deck and bridge deck overlay construction projects that have employed FRC materials. | Jeffery Roesler, Amanda Bordelon, Alexander Brand, Armen Amirkhanian |
| 04/01/21 | April 2021 | Investigation on Pavement ME Design Reflective Cracking, Faulting, IRI Prediction Models, Concrete Overlays Design Tool, and Performance Threshold Levels for Iowa Pavement Systems | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/investigation-on-pavement-me-design-reflective-cracking,-faulting,-iri-prediction-models,-concrete-overlays-design-tool,-and-performance-threshold-levels-for-iowa-pavement-systems/ | Mechanistic-empirical pavement design, Pavement management systems, Pavement performance, Reflection cracking | The Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) and its accompanying software AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design (PMED) represent major improvements over their predecessors, particularly in their comprehensive coverage of the impact of design inputs on pavement performance. Since PMED’s release, numerous updates have been made to the software. Some of the most recent enhancements include the addition of Modern Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) climate data (satellite-based data provided by NASA), a reflective cracking model for overlay performance prediction, and a tool to design bonded concrete overlays on asphalt (BCOA), renamed in PMED as short-jointed plain concrete pavement (SJPCP) over asphalt concrete (AC). A comprehensive evaluation of all the new PMED tools was performed and is presented in this study. The results demonstrate that these updates’ significant impact on the distresses predicted by the software compared to predictions using previous versions warrants recalibration. Evaluation of PMED’s nationally calibrated models was performed for flexible, rigid, and asphalt concrete over jointed plain concrete pavements for different representative geographical locations, ages, and traffic levels across Iowa. Locally calibrated models were developed for Iowa-specific conditions by determining an appropriate new set of calibration coefficients for use in the PMED software. During this process, multiple advanced optimization approaches were tested, and experiences and recommendations from the entire local calibration process are discussed. Additional analysis was performed to determine recommended layer thicknesses for varying reliability levels using the locally calibrated models. The overall findings from this study will serve as a useful reference and guide for implementing PMED for Iowa pavement design practices. Other states that plan to test and implement PMED for their state design practices will also benefit from this study’s complete description of the set of local calibration steps required by PMED. | Brian Worrel, Halil Ceylan, Leela Sai Praveen Gopisetti, Sunghwan Kim, Bora Cetin, Orhan Kaya |
| 7/1/2013 | July 2013 | Ultrasonic Imaging for Concrete Infrastructure Condition Assessment and Quality Assurance | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/ultrasonic-imaging-for-concrete-infrastructure-condition-assessment-and-quality-assurance/ | Bridge decks, Concrete, Condition surveys, Detection and identification technologies, Deterioration, Field tests, Infrastructure, Laboratory tests, Quality assurance, Ultrasonic waves | This report describes work on laboratory and field performance reviews of an ultrasonic shear wave imaging device called MIRA for application to plain and reinforced concrete infrastructure components. Potential applications investigated included bridge deck delamination detection, deck thickness profiles, and detection of internal steel bars and dowels. Based on the observed performance of the unit, three classification categories of applications were defined: field ready, potentially ready, and challenging. In general, the MIRA device is not well suited to provide full-coverage rapid scans over an entire structure. Rather MIRA is more suited for targeted inspection or failure analysis to determine general geometric and internal features of concrete elements because MIRA is able to be quickly deployed for spot inspections with little site preparation. A user’s manual was produced to assist in introducing new users to the proper operation and interpretation of the MIRA device. | John S. Popovics, Jeffery R. Roesler, James Bittner, Armen N. Amirkhanian, Alexander S. Brand, Prakhar Gupta, and Katherine Flowers |
| 9/15/2017 | September 2017 | Bridge Decks: Mitigation of Shrinkage Cracking - Phase III | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/bridge-decks:-mitigation-of-shrinkage-cracking---phase-iii/ | Bridge decks, Cracking, Guidelines, Materials, Shrinkage | The goal of this study (i.e., Phase- III) is to develop ‘robust’ shrinkage mitigation strategies by combining knowledge of materials level testing with lab-scale structural testing, and develop guidelines for Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for implementation of a holistic approach that lessens premature cracking in concrete bridge decks in Illinois. The workplan below primarily focuses on the materials part of the research. A separate workplan is being submitted by SLU on the structural part of the work. A joint effort will be made to combine the small-scale materials lab test data with large-scale structural test data in order to ultimately develop guideline for field application. | Paramita Mondal |
| 6/16/2019 | June 2019 | Review of Improved Subgrade and Stabilized Subbases to Evaluate Performance of Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/review-of-improved-subgrade-and-stabilized-subbases-to-evaluate-performance-of-concrete/ | Concrete pavements, Geotechnical engineering, Pavement design, Pavement performance, Recommendations, Specifications, Subbase (Pavements), Subgrade (Pavements), Thickness | The objective of this research is to provide IDOT with geotechnical solutions for highway and pavement applications that will advance current practice, and ensure that the pavements in the State of Illinois are constructed to the necessary levels of performance, economy and durability, without being overly conservative in thickness. The outcomes of this project will be to provide recommendations and draft specifications to update the standard specifications and manuals of IDOT regarding foundation issues that are currently pressing for IDOT. | Erol Tutumluer |
| 06/30/20 | June 2020 | Size and Shape Determination of the Rip Rap and Large Sized Aggregates Using Field Imaging | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/size-and-shape-determination-of-the-rip-rap-and-large-sized-aggregates-using-field-imaging/ | Aggregate gradation, Aggregates, Field studies, Image analysis, Riprap, Shape | Riprap rock and large-sized aggregates are extensively used in transportation, geotechnical, and hydraulic engineering applications. Traditional methods for assessing riprap categories based on particle weight may involve subjective visual inspection and time-consuming manual measurements. Aggregate imaging and segmentation techniques can efficiently characterize riprap particles for their size and morphological/shape properties to estimate particle weights. Particle size and morphological/shape characterization ensure the reliable and sustainable use of all aggregate skeleton materials at quarry production lines and construction sites. Aggregate imaging systems developed to date for size and shape characterization, however, have primarily focused on measurement of separated or non-overlapping aggregate particles. This research study presents an innovative approach for automated segmentation and morphological analyses of stockpile aggregate images based on deep-learning techniques. As a project outcome, a portable, deployable, and affordable field-imaging system is envisioned to estimate volumes of individual riprap rocks for field evaluation. A state-of-the-art object detection and segmentation framework is used to train an image-segmentation kernel from manually labeled 2D riprap images in order to facilitate automatic and user-independent segmentation of stockpile aggregate images. The segmentation results show good agreement with ground-truth validation, which entailed comparing the manual labeling to the automatically segmented images. A significant improvement to the efficiency of size and morphological analyses conducted on densely stacked and overlapping particle images is achieved. The algorithms are integrated into a software application with a user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) for ease of operation. Based on the findings of this study, this stockpile aggregate image analysis program promises to become an efficient and innovative application for field-scale and in-place evaluations of aggregate materials. The innovative imaging-based system is envisioned to provide convenient, reliable, and sustainable solutions for the on-site quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) tasks related to riprap rock and large-sized aggregate material characterization and classification. | Erol Tutumluer |
| 9/15/2019 | September 2019 | SPR-4419: Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP) for Internally Cured Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/spr-4419:-superabsorbent-polymers-(sap)-for-internally-cured-concrete/ | Absorbents, Bridge decks, Concrete, Concrete curing, Patching, Polymers | The goal of this research is to develop practical, cost-effective strategies to create internally cured concrete for INDOT bridge decks and full depth patching of pavements that do not require complicated processing steps to achieve the desired benefits, including improved hydration, reduced thermal expansion, and increased freeze-thaw resistance compared with conventional mixes. | Kendra Erk, Jan Olek |
| 09/01/19 | September 2019 | Practical Issues in Implementation of Mechanistic Empirical Design for Concrete Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/practical-issues-in-implementation-of-mechanistic-empirical-design-for-concrete-pavements/ | Calibration, Concrete pavements, Mechanistic-empirical pavement design, Pavement distress, Pavement joints, Slabs, Structural models, Unreinforced concrete | This study was undertaken to locally calibrate and implement the models for a mechanistic-empirical design guide (MEPDG) for jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) sections. Twenty-two newly constructed JPCP projects were selected to calibrate the rigid pavement models—17 for calibration and 5 for validation. The traditional split sampling method was followed in calibration. MEPDG-predicted distress of road segments was compared with the measured distress. Statistical analysis was performed using the Microsoft Excel statistical toolbox. The JPCP transverse joint faulting model was calibrated using sensitivity analysis and iterative runs of the MEPDG software to determine optimal coefficients that minimized the bias. The International Roughness Index (IRI) model was calibrated using the generalized reduced gradient nonlinear optimization technique in Microsoft Excel Solver. The transverse slab cracking model could not be calibrated due to lack of measured cracking data. Eleven prospective and two in-service JPCP sections with varying design traffic levels were reanalyzed using traditional empirical and new MEPDG design methods. The results showed that the traditional empirical design method yielded higher slab thickness than the MEPDG method for projects with high traffic levels. However, thinner slab thicknesses were obtained by the traditional empirical design method for projects with low to medium traffic. | Shuvo Islam, Abu Sufian, Mustaque Hossain, Nat Valasquez Jr. |
| 07/01/2019 | July 2019 | Mechanistic-Based Parametric Model for Predicting Rolling Resistance of Concrete Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/mechanistic-based-parametric-model-for-predicting-rolling-resistance-of-concrete-pavements/ | Concrete pavements, Deformation, Dissipation, Mathematical models, Mathematical prediction, Rigid pavements, Rolling resistance, Viscoelasticity | The structural rolling resistance (SRR) is the component of rolling resistance that occurs because of the viscoelastic deformation of the pavement structure. In this paper, a simple model to calculate the energy dissipation as a result of the SRR on rigid pavements is developed for use in applications such as life cycle cost analysis and life cycle assessment. First, the energy dissipated by different vehicles was calculated on 12 concrete pavement sections using a fully mechanistic approach. Using the program DYNASLAB to simulate the vehicles moving along the pavement sections, the energy dissipation was calculated as the work done by the vehicle to overcome the slope seen by the wheels because of the pavement deformation. The results were then used to develop a simple and rapid-to-use model to predict the energy dissipation on any jointed concrete pavement. The model consists of a simple predictive function that can provide the value of the SRR energy dissipation given the mechanical properties of the pavement section (slab thickness and stiffness, modulus of subgrade reaction, subgrade damping coefficient, pavement geometry, and load transfer efficiency) and the loading conditions (speed and loads). The model was based on a sensitivity analysis that was used to select the optimal set of structural and environmental factors. | Danilo Balzarini, Karim Chatti, Imen Zaabar, Ali A Butt, John T Harvey |
| 9/3/2019 | September 2019 | Research for AASHTO Standing Committee on Highways. Update of the 2012 AASHTO Guide Specification for Design of Bonded FRP Systems for Repair | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/research-for-aashto-standing-committee-on-highways.-update-of-the-2012-aashto-guide-specification-for-design-of-bonded-frp-systems-for-repair/ | Bond strength (Materials), Concrete bridges, Fiber reinforced polymers, Repairing, Specifications | Bonded Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) systems have proven to be an economical means for the repair and strengthening of concrete bridge elements in many projects. The first edition of the AASHTO Guide Specifications for Design of Bonded FRP Systems for Repair and Strengthening of Concrete Bridge Elements, published in 2012, provides design tools for bridge elements subjected to flexure, shear and torsion, and combined axial force and flexure. However, many projects have been constructed and changes in the state of practice have occurred since the publication of these guide specifications. Also, during this period, substantial research on the different aspects of bonded FRP system applications has been performed. In addition, the current guide specifications are limited in scope (e.g., do not explicitly cover flanged sections, prestressed concrete elements, and FRP anchoring design). Because of these changes and limitations, there is a need for updating the guide specifications to recognize these issues and provide updated information and guidance on all aspects bonded FRP systems for repair and strengthening, including topics such as FRP near surface mounted applications, anchorage detailing, material specifications, and test requirements. Such guide specifications will help highway agencies address relevant issues and improve the use of FRP systems for repair and strengthening applications. The objective of this research is to update the 2012 AASHTO Guide Specifications for Design of Bonded FRP Systems for Repair and Strengthening of Concrete Bridge Elements. | Issam Harik |
| 3/19/2019 | March 2019 | Recommendations for Revision of AASHTO M 295 Standard Specification to Include Marginal and Unconventional Source Coal Fly Ashes | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/recommendations-for-revision-of-aashto-m-295-standard-specification-to-include-marginal-and-unconventional-source-coal-fly-ashes/ | Cement, Concrete, Evaluation and assessment, Fly ash, Highways, Pozzolan, Recommendations, Standards | Fly ash is the most common supplementary cementitious material used to help improve the durability and sustainability of concrete and mitigate alkali-silica reactivity (ASR). While the demand for fly ash for use in concrete remains steady, the supply of high quality fly ash has been dwindling or, at least, becoming unpredictable. This is partly due to electric power plants changing their fuel sources (e.g., from coal to natural gas) and partly because of tighter environmental and air pollution regulations that have resulted in increased carbon, calcium, sulfur, alkali, and ammonia contents of the fly ash, which adversely affect its quality for use in concrete. In recent years, there has been a growing concern among concrete users and producers about the quality and the quantity of fly ash presently available. In a recent American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) survey of the state departments of transportation, respondents noted significant issues with the supply of coal fly ash. This supply and demand imbalance for quality fly ash has already resulted in regional and seasonal shortages, which is expected to further exacerbate with time. Given this restriction on supply, coal fly ash that was once deemed marginal is now being used in concrete. Marginal fly ash is defined as the fly ash that is of lower quality [i.e., with high loss-on-ignition (LOI), fineness, moisture content, etc.] or otherwise unusable in concrete. To address the shortage, even unconventional sources of fly ash are now being considered, i.e., primarily the ash disposed of in landfills or impoundments. To help meet the growing need for fly ash while maintaining the quality and performance of concrete, it becomes imperative for the concrete industry and the transportation agencies to look for and evaluate marginal and unconventional source fly ashes. To that end, it is also imperative that fly ash specifications measure properties that affect performance and not reject materials that, although suitable for use in concrete, just do not come up to the historical specifications adopted when high quality fly ash was plentiful. | |
| 11/2/2015 | November 2015 | Entrained Air Void System for Durable Highway Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/entrained-air-void-system-for-durable-highway-concrete/ | Admixtures, Air entrainment, Air voids, Concrete, Freeze thaw durability, Laboratory tests, Test procedures | Laboratory testing and long-term field experience have shown that highway concrete must be properly air-entrained if it is to resist the action of freezing and thawing, particularly in wet climates. Experience has also shown that the effectiveness of air entrainment in providing resistance to freezing and thawing depends on the characteristics of the air void system. These characteristics are influenced by the materials used in producing concrete (e.g., cement type and composition, supplementary cementitious materials, air-entraining and other admixtures, and aggregate size); the practices for proportioning, mixing, and placing concrete; and field conditions. However in some situations, air entrainment has shown adverse effects on other concrete properties (e.g., strength). Laboratory methods are currently available for characterizing the air void system in hardened concrete and for evaluating the freeze-thaw resistance of concrete. However, the parameters associated with this characterization and the results of these laboratory tests do not always reflect the observed field performance nor do they consider the possible effects on other concrete properties. There is a need to identify the characteristics of the air void system that relate to field performance and develop improved test methods for evaluating the freeze-thaw resistance of highway concrete. Ideally, these methods would evaluate the concrete mixture immediately before placement to allow adjustment of mixture if necessary. This information will help highway agencies prepare specifications for concrete procurement that will provide the air-void characteristics and freeze-thaw resistance needed for enhanced durability and thus ensure longevity of highway structures and pavements. The objectives of this research are to (1) identify the characteristics of the entrained air void system required for freeze-thaw durability of highway concrete, (2) identify/develop new or modified test methods for measuring these characteristics, and (3) identify/develop new or modified test methods for evaluating freeze-thaw durability. | Peter Taylor |
| 10/1/2017 | October 2017 | Surface Resistivity Testing for Quality Control of Concrete Mixtures | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/surface-resistivity-testing-for-quality-control-of-concrete-mixtures/ | Admixtures, Durability, Electrical resistivity, Methodology, Mix design, Quality assurance, Quality control, Water cement ratio | The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential of resistivity testing in assessing key mixture design parameters critical for durability performance of concrete mixtures. The methodology proposed will enable the development of a method based on resistivity criteria to identify the water-to-cement ratio of a given mixture whether the mixture contains a certain type of supplementary cementitious material. The objectives of the experimental study are to perform an experimental parametric investigation to determine the time-resistivity behavior of typical concrete mixtures used in pavement and infrastructure construction and determining the efficacy of resistivity testing in differentiating key mixture components. It was found that resistivity testing is sensitive to water-to-cement ratio, with some exceptions, and sensitive to supplementary cementitious replacement. The preliminary results will aid in the development of a new quality control and assurance criteria for concrete mixture approval in addition to currently used test methods and specifications. | Hartell, Julie Ann; Shults, Cody |
| 7/1/2019 | July 2019 | Reclaimed Stabilized Base - Stabilizing Agent Selection & Design | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/reclaimed-stabilized-base-stabilizing-agent-selection-&-design/ | Cold weather, Freeze thaw durability, Stabilizers, Stiffness, Subbase (Pavements), Subbase materials | Reclaimed stabilized base (RSB) is a common technique utilized to rehabilitate roadways (e.g. NCHRP 144 Report, 2009; NCHRP 421 report, 2011). RSB involves reclaiming the base material and adding a stabilizing agent (e.g. cement, lime, calcium chloride, emulsion, foamed asphalt) to increase the strength and durability of the subbase structure. In this project, the research team plans to investigate the suitability of the various stabilizing agents for common subbase materials encountered in Vermont roadways and develop a process for VTrans to determine the applicability of RSB for a project, and the appropriate types and percentages of stabilizing agents. The team plans to investigate the performance of the stabilized sub-base materials in winter conditions, including ice lens formation and stiffness as well as long-term (multiple-year equivalents) freeze-thaw implication for durability through accelerated cold room testing. The outcomes of this research will assist VTrans in the scoping phase of the projects to determine applicability of RSB, and in the design and construction phases with guidance on appropriate stabilizing agents, and installation parameters, respectively. | |
| 3/15/2018 | March 2018 | Development of Geopolymers Based Cement and soil stabilizers for Transportation Infrastructure | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-geopolymers-based-cement-and-soil-stabilizers-for-transportation-infrastructure/ | Durability, Geopolymer concrete, Infrastructure, Life cycle analysis, Pavement design, Soil stabilization, Waste products | In recent years, geopolymer cement (GPC) have received much attention as an alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) for soil stabilization, pavements, bridges, and other transportation structures, because they show good mechanical properties when compared to OPCs. More importantly, GPC provides sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to OPCs as GPC can be processed at room temperatures from aqueous solutions of waste materials (e.g. fly ash) or abounded natural sources (e.g. clay) and thus reduce significant CO2 production associated with the processing of OPC. Although significant progress has been achieved over the last couple of decades on developing GPCs with desired properties, their durability in real service conditions, especially when they are exposed to significant water uptake during flooding or extensive rainfalls, is still not well understood. Hence, this project aims to investigate the long-term durability of GPC concrete and stabilized base and subgrade materials for transportation infrastructure. Specifically, the objective of this study is to develop an innovative, sustainable, eco-friendly and durable GPC for transportation infrastructure in Region 6, more specifically for GPC concrete structures (pavements, bridges, etc.) and stabilization base and subgrade foundation support for pavements, using natural and waste materials that abound in the region. | Ibrahim Karaman |
| 6/21/2013 | June 2013 | Concrete Strength Required to Open to Traffic | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/concrete-strength-required-to-open-to-traffic/ | Compressive strength, Concrete curing, Concrete pavements, Field tests, Laboratory tests, Load tests, Nondestructive tests, Pavement design, Pavement distress, Recommendations | Develop innovative mechanistic-based procedures for monitoring concrete early age development and evaluate the effect of early traffic opening on long-term damage accumulation. The procedure will utilize recent developments in nondestructive testing to optimize traffic opening timing without jeopardizing pavement longevity. | Lev Khazonovich, University of Minnesota |
| 7/31/2019 | July 2019 | Detection of Flaws in Asphalt Overlaid Concrete Decks Using Ultrasonic Guided Waves | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/detection-of-flaws-in-asphalt-overlaid-concrete-decks-using-ultrasonic-guided-waves/ | Bridge decks, Inspection equipment | The research proposed here builds on the achievements of a previous NOOT project. The novel, nondestructive ultrasonic guided wave leakage (UGWL) based testing method we developed recently promises to be able to detect the onset of corrosion and delamination in reinforced concrete bridge decks earlier than any other nondestructive testing (NDT) method (Garcia, Erdogmus, et al. 2017 and 2019); however, the effects of asphalt overlay on the method's effectiveness remains unclear. With this project, we aim to investigate the effect of asphalt overlays on the feasibility of the recently developed UGWL method. In this section, the background and the motivation for the proposed work are summarized. Reinforced concrete bridge decks are highly susceptible to deterioration, mainly due to corrosion of the rebars and the subsequent propagation of issues, such as delamination, cracking, and spalling. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA 2014), 145,890 out of the 610,749 highway bridges (24%) in the U.S. are structurally deficient. Yunovich et al. (2001) state that corrosion and delamination problems account for approximately 40% of all bridge deck repair costs; and Arndt et al. (2011) identify the highway bridge corrosion related repair costs to be around $8.3 billion, with $2 billion of this just for the repair of bridge decks. | Unviersity of Nebraska, Lincoln |
| 05/01/17 | May 2017 | Performance of Bridge Deck Overlays in Virginia: Phase I: State of Overlays | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/performance-of-bridge-deck-overlays-in-virginia:-phase-i:-state-of-overlays/ | Bridge decks, Deterioration, Overlays (Pavements), Service life, State of the practice | Maintaining the existing transportation infrastructure is a major concern of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The increased user travel costs, safety concerns, and financial burdens involved in replacing deteriorating decks are reasons for finding appropriate rehabilitation actions that can safely extend the service life of structures. Virginia has been a leader in employing overlays as a rehabilitation method for bridge decks. VDOT’s Manual of the Structure and Bridge Division contains guidance for the decision-making process related to maintenance and repair of structures. Yet there is a need to update the guidelines based on contemporary experience and the knowledge gained through technological advances. This report presents and discusses the preliminary findings of Phase I of a multi-phase study to determine the performance of bridge deck overlays in Virginia. Phase I focused on obtaining information regarding the experiences of VDOT’s nine districts with regard to their use of different kinds of overlays and the factors that influence which overlays are used. In addition, VDOT’s bridge inventory was analyzed to gain an understanding of the types of overlay systems used in Virginia. | Soundar S.G. Balakumaran, Ph.D., P.E., and Richard E. Weyers, Ph.D., P.E |
| 10/5/2017 | October 2017 | Evaluation of Penetrating Sealers Applied to Saw Cut Faces in Concrete Pavement Joints | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-penetrating-sealers-applied-to-saw-cut-faces-in-concrete-pavement-joints/ | Concrete pavements, Durability, Field studies, High performance concrete, Pavement joints, Sealing compounds, Specifications | For the last six years, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) as part of the high performance concrete (HPC) pavement standard special provision has specified the use of a penetrating concrete sealer be applied to the saw cut faces in the joints. The HPC pavements on the Interstate 94 North-South corridor and the Interstate 41 corridor from Oshkosh to Green Bay have received this joint treatment. The specification requires the use of a silane or siloxane-based concrete penetrating sealer to be applied as soon as possible after the sawing operation is complete. To date, a variety of different products have been used, a number of different application methods have been employed, and the rates of application have been variable. In addition, the construction process and the construction inspection have not been uniform or consistent statewide. Therefore, there is no assurance that WisDOT is accomplishing the goal of distress free joints and longer life of the pavement. Finally, there has been no assessment by WisDOT on whether there are benefits and cost effectiveness to doing this work. | Danny Xiao |
| 09/01/19 | September 2019 | Impact of Joint Spacing on Bonded Concrete Overlay of Existing Asphalt Pavement in the AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design Software | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/impact-of-joint-spacing-on-bonded-concrete-overlay-of-existing-asphalt-pavement-in-the-aashtoware-pavement-me-design-software/ | Asphalt pavements, Bonding, Concrete overlays, Mechanistic-empirical pavement design, Pavement cracking, Pavement joints, Pavement performance, Spacing | This paper describes the impact of joint spacing or panel size on the performance and relative cost of short jointed bonded concrete overlay of asphalt (SJPCP) pavement using the AASHTO Pavement ME Design procedure. Joint spacing, or panel dimension, is a critical design issue that greatly affects both performance and cost of the SJPCP as well as conventional jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) overlays. In fact, pavement performance is more dictated by the panel size than thickness. | Biplab Bhattacharya, Alex Gotif, Michael Darter, Lev Khazanovich |
| 11/25/2019 | November 2019 | Synthesis of Information Related to Airport Practices, Topic S09-09. Automated Pavement Condition Survey Practices at Airports | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/synthesis-of-information-related-to-airport-practices-topic-s09-09-automated-pavement-condition-survey-practices-at-airports/ | Airport runways, Airports, Automatic data collection systems, Condition surveys, Literature reviews, Pavement management systems, State of the practice | Pavement condition data is a critical component of all pavement management systems. The accuracy and validity of pavement condition data is the basis for many activities conducted by airports and local agencies. Pavement condition data is used, for example, to support asset management, assess existing and future pavement condition, establish budget needs and evaluate budget impacts, and select projects for pavement maintenance and rehabilitation. Many federal transportation bills (National Performance Management Measures; Assessing Pavement Condition for the National Highway Performance Program and Bridge Condition for the National Highway Performance Program) are performance-based. As such, agencies are increasingly required to report validated pavement conditions when requesting funding. Pavement condition reporting in support of federal funding requests includes existing project data on rut depth, the International Roughness Index (IRI) and percent cracking for flexible pavements and faulting for jointed concrete pavements, and IRI and percent cracking for continuously reinforced concrete pavements. ACRP Research Report 203, Collecting, Applying, and Maintaining Pavement Condition Data at Airports, was published in 2019. | |
| 10/01/2019 | October 2019 | Quality Testing of Wisconsin Aggregates | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/quality-testing-of-wisconsin-aggregates/ | Aggregate tests, Aggregates, Freeze thaw durability, Geotechnical engineering, Quality control | At a minimum, WisDOT requires sodium sulfate soundness testing (AASHTO T104) and Los Angeles wear (AASHTO T96) aggregate quality testing be completed once every three years for quarried aggregate sources and once every five years for pit aggregate sources. Aggregate sources located in the Sinnippee geological group, generally in the southwest part of Wisconsin, require an additional freeze-thaw test (AASHTO T103) on a three-year or five-year testing cycle. An internal audit of WisDOT specifications concluded that the frequency of testing for quality is lacking relative to surrounding states. Reduced testing frequencies is due, in part, to the higher level of aggregate quality available to paving contractors in Wisconsin. Despite the inventory of high-quality construction aggregates, localized pavement performance issues have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the current quality testing program. Recent changes to the standard specifications have partially addressed concerns regarding the minimal quality testing frequencies, but there is a need to revisit quality thresholds and accuracy of current testing methods to represent aggregate durability. | Hani Titi |
| 01/01/2020 | January 2020 | Developing Anti-Icing Airfield Runways Using Surface Embedded Heat Wires and Renewable Energy | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/developing-anti-icing-airfield-runways-using-surface-embedded-heat-wires-and-renewable-energy/ | airport runways, anti-icing, electric wire, heating systems, renewable energy sources, snow and ice control | Airfield runway safety is significantly affected by winter snow, ice, and slush conditions. These wet wintry conditions impact aircraft control and stopping distances. Airport operators use deicing chemicals and plowing to maintain safe runways during wet wintry conditions. However, snow removal is costly. This article presents an alternative approach to applying deicing chemicals and plowing. The approach discusses using a heated pavement system (HPS) with surface embedded wire. Nichrome heating wire is embedded at the slab surface level and energized by an outside source to heat the pavement through Joule heating. Renewable energy generated through a photovoltaic system is used to energize the wires within the concrete slab. To reduce energy demand, the system is designed as an anti-icing system in contrast to a deicing system. Consequently, energy is continually supplied to the system to maintain an above freezing pavement surface temperature independent of ambient weather conditions.An anti-icing runway slab was developed by supplying DC energy from a photovoltaic energy system to experimental concrete slabs with surface embedded heat wire. Experiments were conducted supplying energy to test panels and analyzing pavement surface temperature changes. Energy usage is controlled in the proposed system using control relays. The control relays allow current flow to only surface embedded wires in pavement sections that require a pavement surface temperature increase. This article identifies the challenges and benefits of using surface embedded heat wires with a photovoltaic system to develop an anti-icing pavement system. The approach discussed in this article proposes methodology to develop an anti-icing airfield runway pavement system that relies on a sustainable energy source, solar energy, as it’s energy source. Solar energy is used to recharge a storage energy bank for energizing the proposed system. | Heymsfield, Ernie; Daniels, Joseph W; Saunders, Robert F; Kuss, Mark L |
| 08/01/2019 | August 2019 | Development of Improved Guidelines and Designs for Thin BCOA: Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-improved-guidelines-and-designs-for-thin-bcoa-summary-conclusions-and-recommendations/ | concrete overlays, concrete tests, cracking of concrete pavements, guidelines, laboratory tests, load transfer, paving, rigid pavements, thermal expansion, whitetopping | This report summarizes the investigations undertaken by the University of California Pavement Research Center between 2014 and 2017 to develop recommendations and guidance on the use of thin bonded concrete overlay of asphalt (BCOA) as a rehabilitation alternative for California based on the adoption of, and improvements to, the technology developed in other US states. The main tasks of the project included: 1) laboratory testing of four rapid-strength concrete mixes and a number of concrete-asphalt interfaces, 2) evaluation of the construction of a full-scale test track, 3) monitoring of the structural and hygrothermal responses of six thin BCOA sections to the ambient environment, 4) accelerated pavement testing with the Heavy Vehicle Simulator (HVS) on eleven thin BCOA sections, 5) finite element method modeling, and 6) development of a set of recommendations for the design and construction of thin BCOA pilot projects in California. Based on this testing and analysis, it was possible to obtain a better understanding of the mechanics of the structure of thin BCOA and of the rolesof the different factors that determine thin BCOA performance. Overall, the performance of the thin BCOA sections in the HVS testing far exceeded expectations. The 11 sections resisted the predefined HVS loading without cracking. In five of the sections, that loading was equivalent to 6 million equivalent single axle loads (ESALs) and included load levels more than twice the legal limit in California, channelized traffic at the edge of the slabs, and a continuous water supply that simulated flooded conditions.The main conclusion from this research project is that a well-designed, well-built 6×6 thin bonded concrete overlay section placed on top of an asphalt base that is in fair to good condition can potentially provide 20 years of good serviceability on most of California’s non-interstate roadways. Eight individual reports prepared for the project provide a complete description of the work carried out, and include detailed conclusions about each phase. This report includes a summary of those conclusions and a set of recommendations for the design of thin BCOA that considers California traffic, climate and materials conditions,and construction work zone practices. | Mateos, Angel; Harvey, John; Paniagua, Fabian; Paniagua, Julio; Wu, Rongzong |
| 12/01/2019 | December 2019 | Application of Permeable Pavements in Highways for Stormwater Runoff Management and Pollution Prevention: California Research Experiences | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/application-of-permeable-pavements-in-highways-for-stormwater-runoff-management-and-pollution-prevention-california-research-experiences/ | hydraulic properties, porous pavements, research, runoff, water quality management | In the future, permeable pavements including the full depth permeable pavement (FDPP) will be part of an integrated sustainable transportation program. When designed properly, FDPP can be used as an alternative best management practice (BMP) for stormwater runoff management. From a practical point of view, FDPP must maintain specific characteristics throughout the life of the pavements: (1) have adequate subgrade reservoir capacity to capture runoff volume, (2) surface pavement remain highly permeable and unclogged, (3) allowing minimum permeability of subgrade soil to infiltrate the captured runoff, and (4) assuring no adverse impact on underground water. During the past ten years the University of California Pavement Research Center (UCPRC) conducted numerous research studies to address some of the above critical questions related to the application of permeable pavement with respect to the highway stormwater runoff management. The focus of this paper is to discuss and summarize the major findings of these collective studies related to: (1) hydraulic performance evaluation of permeable pavement, (2) permeability measurement of porous asphalt and pervious concrete paved surfaces, (3) clogging evaluation of permeable pavement surfaces, and (4) water quality and pollution control issues. | Kayhanian, Masoud; Li, Hui; Harvey, John T; Liang, Xiao |
| 02/01/2022 | February 2022 | Road Salt Impact Assessment | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/road-salt-impact-assessment/ | Deicing chemicals, Environmental impacts, Financing, Highway safety, Impacts, Level of service, Water wells, Weather and climate, Winter maintenance | The overall goal of this project is to inform public policy in Maine regarding winter road maintenance. The project will consider state and municipal funding, levels of service, environmental impacts associated with the use of road salt and other anti-icing agents, the impact of anti-icing agents on wells used for drinking water along roads maintained by Maine Department of Transportation, safety to drivers and how changes in weather may impact anti-icing activities. | University of Maine |
| 10/07/2022 | October 2022 | Investigating Thermal Imaging Technologies and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Improve Bridge Inspections | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/investigating-thermal-imaging-technologies-and-unmanned-aerial-vehicles-to-improve-bridge-inspections/ | Bridges, Delamination, Drones, Infrared imagery, Inspection, Sensors, Thermal imagery | Bridge inspection is central to any transportation facilities maintenance program. A particular concern with bridge conditions is concrete delamination on the underside of bridge decks, especially on overpass bridges and on bridges that see pedestrian or boat traffic underneath. Current methods for inspecting overpass bridge decks include visual observations from the roadway underneath by maintenance personnel. Areas identified that may be prone to loosen and fall are then chipped off, before the concrete fails and lands on passing traffic. Sometimes the visual observations can miss deteriorated areas creating a potential safety hazard. A more robust method to determine these concrete delaminated areas will both increase safety and allow better use of limited staff and resources. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or more popularly, “drones” are emerging as a practical and inexpensive alternative to traditional manual inspections. Although there is a significant push from FHWA through State DOT’s to explore effective use of UAVs, it has so far only been tested in a few states. Infrared thermal imaging (IR) is being successfully used to determine concrete delaminated areas on bridges. The FHWA Turner-Fairbanks Research Center is successfully using handheld IR on the top side of bridge decks. Iowa DOT has had success with high temperature hand held IR cameras on the underside of bridge decks. Despite some preliminary successes, several key gaps exist. First, despite a plethora of research going into different UAV-mounted imaging technologies and AI-based analysis of data, field studies in which the UAV condition assessment has been validated to actual bridge condition are limited. Second, UAV-based inspections of bridge undersides have been limited due to difficulties in maneuvering the UAV beneath the structure. This latter problem can be particularly acute in cases where deterioration leading to falling debris creates a hazard below the bridge. Finally, given the wide range of imaging technologies that can be applied to UAV-mounted systems (e.g. optical, infrared, lidar, GPR, etc.), which ones are best suited to identifying the types of deterioration likely to occur in different structures. The overall research objective is to focus on developing UAV-based inspection and analysis protocols using Infrared thermal imaging to determine concrete delaminations, with emphasis on the underside of bridge decks. In addition, other sensor technologies will be investigated should the IR technology not provide acceptable data and results. | |
| 03/01/20 | March 2020 | Local Recalibration of JPCP Performance Models and Pavement-ME Implementation Challenges in Michigan | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/local-recalibration-of-jpcp-performance-models-and-pavement-me-implementation-challenges-in-michigan/ | Calibration, Computer models, Concrete pavements, Mechanistic-empirical pavement design, Pavement performance, Rigid pavements, Transverse cracking | The AASHTOWare Pavement Mechanistic-Empirical (ME) Design version 2.0 performance models were locally calibrated in 2014. Subsequently, the software was updated to versions 2.2 (2015) and 2.3 (2016) since the last calibration effort in Michigan. In the newer versions, several bugs were fixed, and some of the performance models were modified. As a result, concrete pavement designs were impacted. Thus, there is an urgent need to verify the performance predictions for rigid pavements in the State of Michigan for the Pavement-ME versions 2.2 and 2.3. Performance model predictions for rigid pavement between different versions were compared in order to highlight the changes in models. Also, this paper compares observed and predicted performance for testing the need for recalibration. The results show that performance models for rigid pavements [transverse cracking and international roughness index (IRI)] have changed since the Pavement-ME version 2.0. Recalibration is warranted because of model changes and additional time series availability. The recalibration of transverse cracking and IRI model reduced the standard error of estimate (SEE) and bias for both the models. Several challenges in the implementation of the Pavement-ME after recalibration were encountered. This paper documents the lessons learned while addressing these issues. For cumulative damage lower than 0.1, the predicted cracking levels are negligible. The local calibration model coefficients can be further improved by considering the project-specific permanent curl value. A model was developed to predict the permanent curl value for a location based on the site-specific climate and design properties. | Haider, Syed Waqar; Musunuru, Gopikrishna; Buch, Neeraj; Brink, Wouter C |
| 11/01/19 | November 2019 | New Procedure to Evaluate the Post-Crack Behavior of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/new-procedure-to-evaluate-the-post-crack-behavior-of-fiber-reinforced-concrete/ | Cracking of concrete pavements, Fiber reinforced concrete, Methodology, Overlays (Pavements), Pavement performance, Residual strength | This study attempted to identify the challenges in testing and characterization of the post-crack behavior of structural fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) for use in pavements. The benefits and challenges associated with three different FRC testing methods, ASTM C1550, C1399, and C1609 were discussed and compared. Two new parameters, post-crack toughness, and post-crack performance (PCP) index were proposed to characterize the post-crack behavior of FRC. These parameters are a function of the fibers’ contribution and are minimally influenced by the properties of the non-fiber ingredients of concrete such as aggregates, cement, and water. A laboratory study conducted on 10 different types of FRCs validated the applicability of the two proposed new parameters. Transportation agencies can use the PCP index to shortlist effective fibers and post-crack toughness to determine fiber dosage. The study found that fibers with irregular cross-section or geometry and high lateral stiffness provide a high post-crack contribution. | Bryce Hansen, Manik Burman |
| 11/01/19 | November 2019 | A Framework Based on Engineering Performance and Sustainability to Assess the Use of New and Recycled Materials in Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/a-framework-based-on-engineering-performance-and-sustainability-to-assess-the-use-of-new-and-recycled-materials-in-pavements/ | Pavement performance, Recycled materials, Structural engineering, Sustainable development | Growing need for increased use of recycled and new materials in road construction has emerged due to the continuous depletion of natural resources and increased impact of the current state of practice on the environment. Sustainable construction practices have been favoured by Federal and State Departments of Transportation as well as the industry. However, the impacts of using new and recycled materials in pavements, particularly on long-term pavement durability and performance, are often unknown. A comprehensive procedure for evaluating these “proposed materials” in terms of engineering performance and sustainability is very significant for making appropriate decisions on whether to use them for road construction. The research is performed based on whether the material is proposed to be used in asphalt, concrete, or in unbound layers. An analysis framework and, a software (called NewPave) was developed to help the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) identify the impacts of new and recycled materials on pavement performance and the environment. The analysis framework included two basic components; (i) engineering performance, and (ii) sustainability. Engineering performance evaluation included several options for each material type to be used in different pavement layers. The sustainability analysis included three basic components; environmental, economic and social analyses. Finally, the scores obtained from the engineering evaluation are combined with those based on sustainability to obtain an overall score. The overall score can be used to accept/reject the trial use of the new and recycled materials in MDOT administered roads. While the framework presented herein was developed for MDOT, it can easily be adapted by other DOTs. | Varma, Sudhir; Jamrah, Anas; Kutay, M Emin; Korkmaz, Kasim A; Haider, Syed W; Buch, Neeraj |
| 04/01/24 | April 2024 | Solutions to Mitigate Dowel/Tie-Bar Propagated Cracking – Phase 1 | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/solutions-to-mitigate-dowel-tie-bar-propagated-cracking-phase-1/ | Concrete pavements; Crack propagation; Delamination; Dowels (Fasteners); Pavement cracking; Tie bars | This Phase 1 study was undertaken to evaluate cracking related to dowel bars and tie bars in concrete pavement. The results of the literature review and field studies suggest that under some conditions, restraint caused by dowel bars and tie bars in the concrete result in high early age stresses that contribute to cracking. Field evaluation of six sites conducted as part of this research suggests that this type of cracking is not an isolated phenomenon. While a notional description of the potential mechanism is described in this report, details regarding the extent to which various factors impact this type of cracking and appropriate reasonable steps to take to mitigate this type of cracking is not fully understood. To gain a more detailed understanding, a combination of finite element (FE) analysis with laboratory experiment is proposed for Phase 2. The analysis proposed includes an evaluation of key parameters and their influence on dowel bar cracking followed by validation through laboratory experimentation and model refinement. | Shreenath Rao, Hesham Abdualla, Abu Sufian |
| 05/31/20 | May 2020 | Field Implementation of Compacted Concrete Pavement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/field-implementation-of-compacted-concrete-pavement/ | Compressive strength, Durability, Field tests, Flexural strength, Mechanical properties, Roller compacted concrete pavements, Shrinkage, Surface course (Pavements) | The main objective of this research is to investigate the performance of Compacted Concrete Pavement (CCP) with special design features of surface texture that can reduce construction cost and secure safe and durable surface texture. This research was part of a larger project undertaken by the City of Mexico, Missouri in collaboration with Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). The CCP mixture was evaluated for key fresh properties (unit weight, air content, and Vebe consistency), mechanical properties (compressive strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity), drying shrinkage, and durability (air-void system, freeze thaw resistance, scaling resistance, bulk and surface resistivity). The results of this project aimed to add value to the current state of practice related to the use of CCP, synthesize current technical knowledge, study the potential problems associated with the use of CCP in pavement construction in Missouri, and propose guidelines for best practice related to CCP construction. Test results indicate the reliability of mechanical properties for the investigated CCP material. The compressive and flexural strengths and elastic modulus of the investigated concrete were approximately 4970 psi, 410 psi, and 4120 ksi for cast-in-field samples and 4470 psi, 450 psi, 3550 ksi for core samples, respectively. The drying shrinkage was limited to 60 με after 70 d of testing, indicating low drying shrinkage. The durability tests showed that the CCP mixture can be classified as a mixture with moderate chloride ion permeability and acceptable resistance to de-icing salt scaling. However, the non-air entrained CCP showed poor resistance to freezing and thawing. | Kamal H. Khayat, Nima Farzadnia |
| 12/01/23 | December 2023 | Evaluation of Thin Polymer Overlays for Bridge Decks | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-thin-polymer-overlays-for-bridge-decks/ | Polymer concrete; Concrete overlays; Surface treating; Bridge decks; Preservation; Skid resistance | Polymer overlays consist of polymer resins and aggregates and are used on bridge decks to extend service life by providing waterproofing and chloride penetration resistance and restoring surface friction. High friction surface treatments (HFSTs) are a specific type of polymer overlay intended to provide long-term skid resistance by using aggregates with increased abrasion resistance. This study investigates the performance of HFSTs in Montana to address Montana Department of Transportation concerns regarding their durability and costeffectiveness. The objective of this research was to assess the factors that influence the long-term friction resistance and durability of polymer overlays, particularly HFSTs, in Montana. The study included a literature review of recent studies on thin polymer overlays and bridge HFSTs, a survey of the experiences of select transportation agencies across North America with polymer overlays, a field investigation in which the condition of HFSTs on select bridge decks across Montana was monitored over a period of three years, and laboratory work to supplement the field investigation and its findings. The study found that the HFSTs investigated are generally of good quality, had adequate installation practices, and have provided at least 5 years of satisfactory performance. The HFSTs demonstrated sufficient bond and excellent electrical resistance after up to 5 years of service and adequate skid resistance after up to 8 years of service. Defects observed in the HFSTs included reflective cracking, often around prior deck patch perimeters, likely due to the use of patch materials with relatively poor thermal compatibility or high shrinkage; reflective transverse cracking in the HFSTs that appeared to increase with time; wear of the HFST particularly in the wheel paths of the driving lanes, in the form of surface aggregate fracturing and loss of aggregate; and minor loss of the HFSTs at the approach joints likely due to snowplow abrasion and traffic impact. | Paul Krauss, Kathleen A. Hawkins |
| 06/03/20 | June 2020 | Feasibility of Non-Proprietary Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) for Use in Highway Bridges in Montana: Implementation | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/feasibility-of-non-proprietary-ultra-high-performance-concrete-uhpc-for-use-in-highway-bridges-in-montana-implementation/ | Admixtures, Bridge construction, Bridges, Building materials, Concrete bridges, High performance concrete, Highway bridges, Materials tests, Ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) | Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has mechanical and durability properties that far exceed those of conventional concrete. However, using UHPC in conventional concrete applications has been cost prohibitive, with commercially available/proprietary mixes costing approximately 30 times more than conventional concrete. Previous research conducted at Montana State University (MSU) has focused on the development and evaluation of non-proprietary UHPC mixes made with materials readily available in Montana. These mixes are significantly less expensive than commercially available UHPC mixes, thus opening the door for their use in construction projects in the state. The focus of the proposed project is on taking this material beyond the laboratory, and successfully use it on a bridge project in Montana, specifically for field cast joints. This project is a required step to fully understand and capitalize on the benefits of using UHPC for this application and increase the performance, durability, and efficiency of Montana bridges. | |
| 07/31/21 | July 2021 | Fiber Reinforcement for Latex-Modified Concrete Overlays | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/fiber-reinforcement-for-latex-modified-concrete-overlays/ | Bridge decks, Concrete overlays, Cracking, Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC), Latex modified concrete, Rehabilitation (Maintenance), Shrinkage | A large number of bridge deck rehabilitations are performed each year in North Carolina. Latex Modified Concrete (LMC) and LMC–Very Early Strength (LMC-VES) are frequently used in these rehabilitations because these materials provide reasonable installed performance and allow for a rapid return to service. Over the last 5 years, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has completed an average of about 25 overlays per year using LMC or LMC-VES materials. The vast majority of these projects are highly successful. However, despite comprehensive NCDOT guidelines and specifications (such as PSP003 and PSP004), substantial cracking is sometimes observed in these overlays shortly after installation. Prior research funded by NCDOT has indicated that if placement and curing follows proper construction procedures, then the primary causes of cracking (such as shrinkage and plastic shrinkage) in LMC and LMC-VES materials are unlikely to develop. However, other secondary mechanisms can potentially cause cracking, including vibration of the structure during casting and curing, temperature changes during casting, and slight differential settlement/deflection of supporting decks as overlay placement progresses across a bridge. | Gregory Lucier, Mohammad Pour-Ghaz |
| 03/01/17 | March 2017 | Control of Concrete Cracking in Bridges | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/control-of-concrete-cracking-in-bridges/ | Bridge substructures, Bridge superstructures, Concrete bridges, Cracking | The primary objectives of this synthesis are to provide a compilation and discussion of methods used to control concrete cracking in bridge superstructures and substructures and to present information on the influence of cracking on long-term durability. Superstructure components discussed in this synthesis include full-depth, cast-in-place concrete decks; partial-depth, precast concrete panels with a cast-in-place topping; full-depth, precast concrete deck panels; and prestressed and nonprestressed concrete beams. Information for concrete decks on both steel and concrete beams is included. Substructure components include pier caps, columns, abutments, and pile caps. | Henry G Russell |
| 11/12/17 | November 2017 | Performance-Related Specifications for Pavement Preservation Treatments | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/performance-related-specifications-for-pavement-preservation-treatments/ | Flexible pavements, Guidelines, Pavement maintenance, Performance based specifications, Rigid pavements | This report (1) presents guidelines for use in preparing performance-related specifications (PRS) for pavement preservation treatments and, if desired, determining pay adjustment factors and (2) illustrates the applicability of these guidelines for selected preservation treatments for flexible and rigid pavements. The guidelines follow a systematic process that considers acceptance quality characteristics and performance measures for preservation treatments. The information contained in the report will be of immediate interest to state materials and maintenance engineers and others involved with the specification and quality aspects of pavement preservation treatments. | Karim Chatti |
| 03/05/22 | March 2022 | Guide for Implementing Performance Specifications | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/guide-for-implementing-performance-specifications/ | Asphalt mixtures, Concrete, Guidelines, Impacts, Implementation, Performance measurement, Quality assurance (QA), Specifications, Test procedures | Many state departments of transportation (DOTs) are implementing performance specifications for asphalt pavements and portland/alternative cement concrete. This is being done to improve long-term durability, encourage contractor innovation, better align design requirements with construction, and introduce rational pay adjustments tied to predicted project life. Ongoing initiatives such as Performance Engineered Concrete Mixes for portland/alternative cement concrete and Balanced Mix Designs for asphalt pavements lend themselves to a performance specification approach by introducing higher level test methods more directly related to material performance. Introduction of these test methods and mix design criteria will have a major impact on existing quality assurance (QA) programs. Agencies will need to make informed decisions regarding applicability of new tests to process control, quality control, and acceptance. Lot and sublot sizes may need to be adjusted to account for test time and complexity. Quantity of material obtained for testing may need to be increased. Technician training and certification programs will need to be addressed, as will laboratory qualification and accreditation programs. Independent Assurance (IA) procedures will need to be developed and the impact on dispute resolution programs assessed. Precision and bias of the newer test methods will need to be determined, along with appropriate specification limits for various quality characteristics. New approaches to pay adjustments will need to be developed. | Shreenath Rao |
| 12/31/22 | December 2022 | Manual for Incorporating Nondestructive Testing (NDT) in Quality Assurance of Highway Pavement Construction | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/manual-for-incorporating-nondestructive-testing-ndt-in-quality-assurance-of-highway-pavement-construction/ | Asphalt based materials, Concrete, Handbooks, Implementation, Nondestructive tests (NDT), Paving, Quality assurance (QA), Quality control, Road construction, State departments of transportation, State of the practice | State departments of transportation (DOTs), as part of their routine practice, employ quality assurance (QA) procedures based on certifications, inspections, sampling, and testing in their acceptance process for highway pavement construction. The QA requirements are generally in accordance with the federal regulations for construction QA procedures (23 CFR, Part 637B) as well as the recommendations of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) for QA programs. However, one thing generally absent from these programs or plans is the utilization of nondestructive testing (NDT) methods in the QA process. Several studies in recent years have identified the potential advantages of incorporating NDT methods into the QA process for highway pavement construction. These NDT methods are considered to provide an “added value” in the QA process since they potentially allow for (1) quickly assessing product uniformity in real-time as construction progresses; (2) identifying potential defects during construction to allow for timely corrective actions; (3) more frequent inspecting, testing, and replicating without the damaging effects of coring and other destructive testing; and (4) minimizing testing and inspection costs, while improving construction quality. For example, for concrete, the NDT methods can evaluate concrete properties, uniformity, honeycombing, segregation, and cover depth as well as detect reinforcement and dowel bar location and characteristics. Similarly, for asphalt mixtures, the NDT methods can assess properties and conditions such as density, stiffness, thickness, and thermal uniformity. However, despite their high potential and usefulness, the transition of NDT methods from research and forensic investigation to DOTs’ QA process has been rather limited. This is because of the relative complexity of some NDT technologies, inadequate training of QA technicians and inspectors in their use, reluctance to adopt a new technology, and a lack of guidance on how to incorporate the NDT technologies into the overall QA program. The objective of this research is to develop a guidance manual to assist state DOTs in selecting and incorporating NDT methods into their QA programs for highway pavement construction. | Harold Von Quintos |
| 05/19/20 | May 2020 | 3D Modeling Guide for Construction Inspection | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/3d-modeling-guide-for-construction-inspection/ | Building information models (BIM), Construction projects, Inspection, State departments of transportation, Three dimensional displays | Various advanced technologies have been adopted in the transportation industry to improve the accuracy and efficiency in design and construction, including global positioning system (GPS), LiDAR, and 3D/4D modeling. Transportation design and construction processes have been gradually improved with the emergence of these technologies. Many state DOTs and their contractors and consultants have been using 3D models for various applications in project planning, design and construction phases. The design and survey communities are advancing 3D/4D modeling and design (also referred to as Building Information Modeling (BIM) for infrastructure). The specific goals vary by state; however, the common goal is to eliminate 2D plan sets and make the 3D model the design of record. Construction contractors have been utilizing 3D models to increase their efficiencies utilizing Automated Machine Guidance (AMG) and developing BIMs for applications such as bridge beam erection plans and crane optimization. However, field Inspection staff have very limited exposure to this technology, and inspection processes and procedures using 3D/4D BIM have yet to be developed on a national level. Some states who are piloting 3D modeling generally have 2D plans still available. Eventually 2D plans will be eliminated as a deliverable so guidance and training for field inspectors is needed. Design models contain more data than is represented by 2D plan sheets. Conveying the model to field engineers and inspectors presents an opportunity to leverage this data in the inspection process. However, there is little research into how the exposure to this data, when combined with new technology, can make inspection more efficient or more complete. The objective of this research is to identify technologies used by DOTs, inspectors in the vertical construction sector (i.e. BIM), or other technologies available that allow element location and dimension information from the model to be viewed, modified, or otherwise consumed by inspection staff. The research should identify the pros and cons of each and explore opportunities for inspectors to use data from the model rather than snapshots of the design plans. Managers, engineers, and field inspection staff from Departments of Transportation will benefit from this research, as it will identify potential technologies that may be used by field staff inspection staff, to leverage advancing technologies being used by designers and contractors. | |
| 05/01/20 | May 2020 | Agency Inspection and Monitoring of Quality Control Plans for Use in Administering Quality Assurance Specifications | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/agency-inspection-and-monitoring-of-quality-control-plans-for-use-in-administering-quality-assurance-specifications/ | Construction projects, Contractors, Inspection, Literature reviews, Quality assurance (QA), Quality control (QC), State departments of transportation, Surveys | Modern quality assurance (QA) specifications promoted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recognize the state departments of transportation’s (DOT’s) responsibility for monitoring the contractor’s quality control (QC) activities, conducting agency inspection, and conducting acceptance sampling and testing. Research and training focused on acceptance sampling and testing is currently available, and national, regional, and state certification programs have been developed to support this effort. Research and training on monitoring the contractor’s QA/QC and appropriate methods of DOT inspection are more limited. QA/QC plans are usually written by contractors and approved by DOTs, based on DOT requirements and specifications. Well-developed, proactive QA/QC plans should be used to solve problems, but often they are boilerplate or are developed only to be used to meet agency QA/QC specification requirements. Based on the historical quality of QA/QC plans submitted, some DOTs have even stopped requiring QA/QC plans to be submitted. Research has confirmed the importance of QA/QC and inspection in transportation projects, and further research is needed in the areas of contractor QA/QC, including adequate level of inspection. The objective of this synthesis is to document the various QA/QC plans and manuals used by DOTs and how QA/QC plans are reviewed and inspected to achieve project specifications. Information gathered includes (but is not limited to): QA/QC plans and manuals used by DOTs; input of DOTs into QA/QC plans; requirements of contractors regarding QA/QC plans; DOT compliance review and inspection of QA/QC plans; DOT monitoring of contractor implementation of QA/QC plans; and incentives that DOTs are using to achieve effective QA/QC. Information will be collected through literature review, a survey of DOTs, and follow-up interviews with selected agencies for the development of case examples. Information gaps and suggestions for research to address those gaps will be identified. | |
| 05/20/20 | May 2020 | Develop a Guidebook for the Use of Non-Chemical Methods for Removing Snow and Ice from Roadways | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/develop-a-guidebook-for-the-use-of-non-chemical-methods-for-removing-snow-and-ice-from-roadways/ | Handbooks, Literature reviews, Maintenance equipment, Snow and ice control, State of the practice, Winter maintenance | The FHWA compiled statistics that showed that during the 10-year period 2005-2014 approximately 321,000 vehicle crashes per year were attributed to icy or snow-covered roads. These same statistics showed 5,650 fatalities per year were attributed to adverse weather. This is approximately 10 times more fatalities than all the other adverse weather fatalities tracked by the National Weather Service. While participation fluctuates from year to year, 44 state DOTs and one Canadian Province rely on AASHTO’s SICOP Technical Service Program, the Clear Roads, and/or Aurora Pooled Fund Studies to help them fulfill their winter maintenance mission. This clearly demonstrates the impact winter weather has on the transportation network across North America. Road maintenance agencies employ a variety of strategies to maintain safe, passable roadways during wintertime weather events. In general, these strategies can be categorized into those that rely on the use of chemicals (primarily sodium chloride --salt) and non-chemical-based strategies utilizing mechanical means (e.g., brooming, plowing, scraping, or mechanical ice breaking). The reliance on deicing chemicals alone has presented issues for agencies as some salt supplies are becoming irregular with some agencies not able to secure sufficient quantities and the resulting increases in salt prices adversely affecting state wintertime budgets. | |
| 05/19/20 | May 2020 | Rumble and Mumble Strip Preservation Treatment Options | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/rumble-and-mumble-strip-preservation-treatment-options/ | Overlays (Pavements), Pavement maintenance, Road markings, Rumble strips, Sealing compounds, Thickness | Centerline and shoulder rumble and mumble strips have long served as a safety treatment tool to alert motorists to realign their vehicles to the driving lane. As part of the 2018 Midwest and Southeast Pavement Preservation Research Survey, rumble strip preservation was identified a research need. Many rumble and rumble strips are installed as part of contract overlay projects where pavement thicknesses can be as thin as 1 inch. Rumbles are then ground into the new overlay effectively reducing the thickness in the grounded areas to ½” or less. In addition as a result the ground pavement area making up the rumble strip generally displays premature deterioration and requires ongoing maintenance to keep the roadway free of pot holes. The purpose of this research is five fold: (1) Threshold for minimum thickness of pavement or pavement overlay for rumble and mumble strips to be milled; (2) Threshold for the age of pavement or pavement overlay for rumble and mumble strips to be milled; (3) Effects of preservation strategies on pavement markings that are maintained or preserved on rumble and mumble strips; (4) Effects of sealers, rejuvenators and other preservation strategies on the performance of rumble and mumble strips; and (5) Strategies to maintain and preserve rumble and mumble strips to meet the design life of the pavement or pavement overlay. Much of the research done on the topic references the performance of rumble strips on how they perform their function in keeping motorists in their driving lane. More research is needed to determine the effects of rumble strips on older pavements and thin lift pavement overlays and offer solutions to owner agencies on how to maintain and preserve them for the life of the pavement. The objective of this research is to develop a guide to maintain and preserve rumble and mumble strips that last as long as the main line pavement where they were installed. | |
| 07/01/19 | July 2019 | Evaluation of Material Input Levels on Design of Unbonded Concrete Overlay Using Pavement Mechanistic-Empirical Design | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-material-input-levels-on-design-of-unbonded-concrete-overlay-using-pavement-mechanistic-empirical-design/ | Compressive strength, Concrete overlays, Mechanical properties, Mechanistic-empirical pavement design, Pavement performance, Stiffness, Strength of materials, Transverse cracking | Unbonded concrete overlay (UBCO) is the most widely used rehabilitation option being used as compared to other types of overlays based on its long-term performance, minimal pre-overlay repairs, and relatively easier construction. The implementation of latest pavement performance prediction tools such as the Pavement ME Design [previously called AASHTOware Pavement Mechanistic Empirical (ME) Design guide or MEPDG] has provided the opportunity for designing and performance analysis of UBCOs. The levels of design inputs, for concrete mechanical properties, range from time series data (time series means tested data from 7 to 90 days) of elastic modulus (Ec) and modulus of rupture (MOR) to 28-day compressive strength. This study focuses on evaluating the impact of design input levels for concrete strength and stiffness properties on performance predictions of UBCO using Pavement ME Design. Previous studies have shown that concrete strength properties including compressive strength, Ec, and MOR have significant effects on UBCO performance. The effects of these input levels on predicted faulting and transverse cracking are evaluated for three different paving mixes. The results show that the combination of measured 28-day MOR and Ec yielded predicted distresses that were consistently in close agreement with the predictions using time series data. It became evident that accurate 28-day MOR and Ec values can be used as a less challenging and less expensive alternative to the time series characterization of concrete mechanical properties for UBCO design and performance evaluation. | Gauhar Sabih, Rafiqul Tarefdar |
| 05/23/22 | May 2022 | UHPC Thin Bonded Overlay on Deteriorated Bridge Decks | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/uhpc-thin-bonded-overlay-on-deteriorated-bridge-decks/ | Bridge decks, Bridge design, Bridge engineering, Ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) | Previous research has demonstrated that ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has the potential to increase service lives of bridge deck overlays and subsequently, the underlying concrete deck, because it has exceptional durability properties and contains silica fume that facilitates bond to substrate concretes. This research project will document, monitor, and assess the field implementation of a UHPC overlay produced with local materials on a bridge in Socorro, NM. This will be the first non-proprietary UHPC overlay constructed in the United States. The research project consists of a comprehensive literature review to identify best practices for UHPC technologies and overlay construction methods. Short and long-term monitoring plans will be developed for assessing the performance of the constructed UHPC overlay. After construction, the short and long-term monitoring plans that will include mechanical, physical, and nondestructive testing shall be initiated and the assessment of the initial measurements shall be reported in the final research report. | Brad Weldon, David Jauregui, Craig Newtson |
| 06/04/19 | June 2019 | Artificial Neural Networks for Predicting the Response of Unbonded Concrete Overlays in a Faulting Prediction Model | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/artificial-neural-networks-for-predicting-the-response-of-unbonded-concrete-overlays-in-a-faulting-prediction-model/ | Composite pavements, Concrete overlays, Concrete pavements, Fault location, Neural networks, Pavement distress, Structural analysis, Transverse joints | Transverse joint faulting is a common distress in unbonded concrete overlays (UBOLs). However, the current faulting model in Pavement mechanistic-empirical (ME) is not suitable for accurately predicting the response of UBOLs. Therefore, to develop a more accurate faulting prediction model for UBOLs, the first step was to develop a predictive model that would be able to predict the response (deflections) of these structures. To account for the conditions unique to UBOLs, a computational model was developed using the pavement-specific finite element program ISLAB, to predict the response of these structures. The model was validated using falling weight deflectometer (FWD) data from existing field sections at the Minnesota Road Research Facility (MnROAD) as well as sections in Michigan. A factorial design was performed using ISLAB to efficiently populate a database of fictitious UBOLs and their responses. | John DeSantis, Julie Vandenbossche, Steven Sachs |
| 03/30/20 | March 2020 | Time-Lapse Infrared Thermography Applied to Concrete Bridge Deck Inspection Surveys | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/time-lapse-infrared-thermography-applied-to-concrete-bridge-deck-inspection-surveys/ | Bridge decks, Concrete bridges, Condition surveys, Data analysis, Data collection, Delamination, Infrared analysis, Inspection, Overlays (Pavements), Thermographs | The Federal Highway Administration mandates that all [bridge] structures in its inventory are to be inspected every two years. Consequently, deck surveys are conducted to identify unseen damage within them. A significant number of bridges in Virginia have concrete decks with an overlay. Methods commonly deployed on these decks, are limited in the quantitative results they can provide. To overcome these limitations, an improved method of applying infrared thermography using time-lapse technology is introduced. Following a simulated parametric study, a time-lapse infrared thermography data collection system was acquired along with a basic program to analyze the data qualitatively. A novel physics-based program was also developed to analyze the data quantitatively. The system is ready to be deployed on most bridges, offering a full-field non-contact survey of the entire deck with minimal impact to traffic flow. However, it is recommended that the quantitative program undergo additional testing prior to production level deployment. | Steven B. Chase and Chad M. Anderson |
| 01/01/20 | January 2020 | Nondestructive Corrosion Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks with Overlays: An Experimental Study | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/nondestructive-corrosion-evaluation-of-reinforced-concrete-bridge-decks-with-overlays-an-experimental-study/ | Bridge decks, Concrete, Corrosion, Nondestructive tests (NDT), Overlays (Pavements), Reinforcement (Engineering) | Concrete corrosion induced by deicing agents can decrease the durability of concrete bridge decks by causing cross-sectional loss of reinforcement, concrete delamination, and spalling owing to the expansion of corroded reinforcement. The installation of overlays can extend the service life of the deteriorated decks. However, overlays present challenges in the evaluation of the corrosion condition of the underlying decks. This laboratory study employed three nondestructive testing (NDT) methods to assess the effects of seven types of overlays on corrosion evaluation for concrete bridge decks. The NDT methods were electrical resistivity (ER), ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and half-cell potential (HCP). The ER method could not evaluate the corrosive environment in the concrete decks through the overlays. The GPR method could detect the corrosive environment through four of the seven overlays. The HCP method could detect the decrease of electrical potential over the actively corroded reinforcement for all seven specimens; however, only two of the seven specimens could be identified as having active corrosion per ASTM C876-15, Standard Test Method for Corrosion Potentials of Uncoated Reinforcing Steel in Concrete. Overlay debonding did not affect GPR and HCP testing results in this study. | Dewei Meng, Shibin Lin, and Hoda Azari |
| 05/01/20 | May 2020 | Field Performance of Low-Cracking Concretes for the Closure Pours and Overlays of Bridge Decks | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/field-performance-of-low-cracking-concretes-for-the-closure-pours-and-overlays-of-bridge-decks/ | Bridge decks, Compressive strength, Concrete overlays, Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC), Field tests, Lightweight aggregates, Polypropylene, Silica fume, Steel fibers | Joints, wide cracks, and poor quality concretes facilitate the intrusion of chlorides, causing corrosion in bridge decks and substructures that limit the service lives. Distress in deck concretes can adversely affect ride quality and structural integrity. The objective of this study was to eliminate the joints in existing bridges and to improve the surface conditions of the decks by overlays. Two parallel bridges in Virginia were selected for study. The performance of the closure pours and overlays was observed for 4–5?years. Joints were replaced with closure pours (also known as link slabs) consisting of fiber-reinforced concretes resistant to wide cracking and intrusion of solutions. Polyvinyl alcohol, polypropylene, and steel fibers were used in the closure pours; a compressive strength of 3,000?psi (pounds per square inch) at 24?h was sought. In the overlays, silica fume concrete alone and with shrinkage reducing admixture, lightweight coarse aggregate, and lightweight fine aggregate was investigated for crack control and low permeability, and compared with the control of latex-modified concrete with rapid set cement. A compressive strength of 3,000?psi at 3?days was sought. Test results and surveys showed that satisfactory strengths and permeability were achieved; the closure pours containing steel and polyvinyl alcohol fibers had tight cracks (most less than 0.1?mm with a few up to 0.2?mm). All overlays were performing well except for one section placed in adverse weather conditions and exposed to a truck fire. There were a few areas patched where poor surface preparation had led to delamination. | Ozyildirim, H. Celik; Nair, Harikrishnan; and Sharifi, Mary |
| 08/31/24 | August 2024 | Concrete Mix Designs for Partial-Depth Link Slabs and Deck Extension | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/concrete-mix-designs-for-partial-depth-link-slabs-and-deck-extension | Admixtures, Bridge construction, Bridge decks, Concrete bridges, Joints (Engineering), Mix design | One of the main factors affecting the durability of bridge structures is the presence of joints in the deck. The inability of current joint systems to provide reliable, long-term, leak-proof performance leads to the infiltration of harmful solutions and to rapid deterioration of the ends of beams, bearings, and substructures, which require major maintenance efforts. To address this issue, the idea of using full-depth link slabs to eliminate existing deck joints has been investigated. This joint type is expected to extend the service life of conventional bridges. However, these full-depth link slabs are often times not feasible on high-traffic bridges because of the length of time for construction. However, partial-depth link slabs are a possible alternate solution because they offer the advantages of shorter construction durations, thus minimizing traffic interruptions, and lower construction costs compared to full-depth link slabs. Regardless, link slabs require concrete with high early strength, flexibility, and durability for rapid installation and longevity. In this study, concrete mixtures including fibers for flexibility and high tensile strength will be investigated and used in partial-depth link slabs. The performance of the link slabs will be monitored for a period of at least one year. | Celik Ozyildirim, Bernie Kassner, Mary Sharifi |
| 10/31/21 | October 2021 | A New Method of Determining Payment for In-Place Concrete with Double-Bounded Compressive Strength Pay Factors | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/a-new-method-of-determining-payment-for-in-place-concrete-with-double-bounded-compressive-strength-pay-factors/ | Cast in place concrete, Compressive strength, Construction projects, Incentives, Methodology, Payment, Simulation | The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) currently uses a lower acceptance limit on 28-day concrete compressive strength (CCS) of 4,000 psi for acceptance of in-place concrete in its construction projects. Over time, to mitigate risk, the concrete industry’s response has led to increasingly higher average 28-day CCS, which is believed to be associated with increased brittleness and excessive early cracking. UVM researchers worked with VTrans’ Materials Testing & Certification Lab to develop a set of initial pay factors for a new double-bounded system with an upper limit as well. The scenario-based heuristic approach balances Agency risk with industry risk in the use of payment incentives and disincentives. Several likely scenarios for an initial industry response to new pay factors were simulated. The success of that research effort, and ensuing meetings with leading industry representatives, led VTrans to the decision to implement this double-bounded approach, tentatively beginning in the Spring of 2020. Pay factors are typically enforced for payment using the percent-within-limits (PWL) approach, but a drawback of the traditional PWL approach is its implicit assumption that the distribution of CCS is Gaussian so that z-scores can be used for assessment of payment, and that payment for strengths exceeding the target mean equal those falling short of the target mean by the same amount. Although this approach works well when a single lower acceptance boundary exists, it will not be likely to work when an upper and lower acceptance boundary are used, since pay factors are not likely to be identical above and below the target value. Additionally, the research team’s review of the literature and historical data in Vermont suggests that the distribution of resulting industry-wide CCS is not likely to be best-fit to a Gaussian probability distribution function (PDF) once the double-bounded system is implemented. The goal of this project is to develop a new method of enforcing pay factors for payment of in-place CCS that does not rely on the Gaussian distribution and allows for the use of an asymmetrical set of pay factors. | James Sullivan, David Novak, Eric Hernandez |
| 10/31/19 | October 2019 | Calibrating the Iowa Pore Index with Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry and Petrography—Phase II | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/calibrating-the-iowa-pore-index-with-mercury-intrusion-porosimetry-and-petrography-phase-ii/ | Coarse aggregates, Concrete, pore index, pore struture, Portland cement concrete | Coarse aggregate, depending on intended usage, constitutes roughly 20–45% of portland cement concrete as well as being a major component in the construction of granular surface roads and shoulders for paved roads. However, coarse aggregate quality greatly varies among sources based on its petrophysical properties. Therefore, it is important to understand how these properties emerge from the depositional and diagenetic history of a deposit in order to accurately predict pavement durability, which can be negatively impacted by oscillating freeze/thaw cycles. To derive more information about a coarse aggregate’s pore system, this study used a “third generation” Iowa Pore Index (IPI) device capable of measuring the volume of intruded water at various time intervals ranging from 0.1–2.0 seconds, as well as measuring intrusion at variable pressures up to 70 psi (480 kPa). Using this new device, 21 carbonate samples (10 dolostones and 11 limestones) were compared to “traditional” IPI measurements. The new method gave slightly higher primary loads. | Joseph F. Orso IV , Fransciszek Hasiuk |
| 01/19/22 | January 2022 | Developing Design Specifications to Ensure Long-Life Skid-Resistant Concrete Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/developing-design-specifications-to-ensure-long-life-skid-resistant-concrete-pavements/ | Concrete, Design, Skid resistance, Specifications | With the goal of developing design specifications for durable skid-resistant concrete pavements, this project explores concrete mixture design factors that most significantly impact the retention of skid resistance in concrete pavements. Specifically, the objectives are twofold: 1. To determine how aggregate composition and properties, aggregate blending, aggregate gradation, concrete mixture proportions and properties (e.g., compressive strength), and concrete curing impact the long-term polishing resistant (PR) of concrete pavements; 2. To develop specification limits for the above-mentioned parameters to produce a long term polish-resistant concrete wearing surface while complying with specifications for performance engineered concrete pavements with optimized aggregate gradation. | |
| 12/31/20 | December 2020 | Effects of High Early Strength Concrete Thermal Contraction, Shrinkage, and Creep on Pavement Performance | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/effects-of-high-early-strength-concrete-thermal-contraction-shrinkage-and-creep-on-pavement-performance/ | Concrete overlays, Contraction (Thermodynamics), Creep, High early strength cement, Laboratory tests, Mix design, Pavement cracking, Pavement performance, Rehabilitation (Maintenance), Shrinkage, Tensile strength, Test tracks | This research is focused on the development of recommendations and guidance on the use of thin bonded concrete overlay of asphalt (BCOA) as a rehabilitation alternative for California based on the adoption of, and improvements to, the technology developed in other US states. The main tasks of this research include: (1) laboratory testing of four rapid-strength concrete mixes and a number of concrete-asphalt interfaces, (2) evaluation of the construction of a full-scale test track, (3) monitoring of the structural and hygrothermal responses of thin BCOA sections to the ambient environment, (4) accelerated pavement testing with the Heavy Vehicle Simulator (HVS) on eleven thin BCOA sections, (5) characterization of CTE variability under different humidity conditions, (6) understanding of tensile creep in concrete slabs, (7) characterization of micro-cracking in different high-early strength concrete mixes. Based on this testing and analysis, it was possible to obtain a better understanding of the mechanics of the structure of thin BCOA and of the roles of the different factors that determine thin BCOA performance. | Julio Paniagua |
| 01/01/20 | January 2020 | Influence of Casting Conditions on Durability and Structural Performance of HPC-AR: Changes in Workability and Air-Void System of Concrete due to Pumping | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/influence-of-casting-conditions-on-durability-and-structural-performance-of-hpc-ar-changes-in-workability-and-air-void-system-of-concrete-due-to-pumping/ | Air voids, Bridge decks, Casting, Concrete pavements, Durability, Pumped concrete, Self compacting concrete (SCC), Workability | This report summarizes the research performed on the influence of pumping operations on the changes in workability, rheology, air content, air-void system, freeze-thaw and scaling resistance of self-consolidating concrete (SCC). This project is a collaboration between the RE-CAST Tier-1 UTC the ACI Foundation, the Kansas State University (through funding from the Kansas DOT), EllisDon and CBM St-Marys. A portion of the results are summarized in the K-DOT report based on a research project on the effect of pumping on properties of low-slump concrete mixtures for bridge decks, as well as a paper in Materials and Structures. This report discusses the continuation of the research work, as some dramatic results were observed especially for SCC. When pumping concrete, a portion of the material is subjected to very high shear rates, and the lower the yield stress, the larger the concrete volume in the pipe which is exposed to shear. Shearing can cause substantial changes in rheology and workability, while a combination of pressure and shearing can induce major changes in the air-void system. Figure 1 shows the change in spacing factor, which is the difference between the spacing factor of the pumped and non-pumped concrete, due to the pumping process. These results were obtained in an experimental campaign with EllisDon and CBM-St-Marys in Toronto, ON, Canada in May 2015. No major changes were imposed on the different SCC mix designs, apart from the workability level. Figure 1 shows that the spacing factor increases more with a faster flow rate, due to the increase in applied pressure and in shearing. The use of a reducer (triangles), also increases the change in spacing factor, due to the same reasons. It should also be mentioned that one of the tests when using a reducer caused segregation of the SCC. However, the most striking results are the magnitude of those changes: the spacing factor increased with values between 250 and 550 μm, significantly above the acceptable limits. Normal concrete shows changes up to 100-150 μm, making SCC more sensitive. This is why further investigation on SCC is necessary. | Dimitri Feys, Kyle Riding, Daniel Galvez Moreno, Alexis Salinas, Alexandra Wehar |
| 01/01/20 | January 2020 | Investigation on Thixotropy of Vibration-Free Concrete Mixtures Intended for Rapid Pavement Construction (Volume II) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/volume-ii-investigation-on-thixotropy-of-vibration-free-concrete-mixtures-intended-for-rapid-pavement-construction/ | Admixtures, Concrete pavements, Paving, Thixotropy | This report discusses the advances and setbacks encountered when attempting to develop a vibration-free, self- consolidating concrete for slipform applications. Such concrete would have significant advantages compared to conventional slipforming, as vibration would not be necessary. All negative aspects of incorrect vibration, such as inadequate air content (too much entrapped air or insufficient entrained air), and segregation, which on its turn could lead to inferior freeze-thaw and scaling resistance or cracking, would be avoided [1] [2] [3] [4]. Based on previous work [5] [6], further referenced in the literature review, the research team wanted to attain a higher slump flow (> 550 mm) to ensure full self-consolidation, while also showing substantial thixotropy to develop the necessary shape stability. Current techniques in the development of 3D printing, which require similar properties of the construction material, use different chemical admixtures added at specific times when necessary. As an example, some mixtures are heavily retarded, and a large amount of accelerator is added just before the material passes through the nozzle [7] [8]. Although this technique would be certainly applicable for slipforming, it is questionable whether this can be executed on a large scale such as slipforming. Any mistakes in timing or dosage of the admixtures, or inadequate incorporation or distribution of the admixtures in the concrete would result in disastrous increases in cost as the concrete would remain too fluid or harden too soon, dependent on the error. As such, the team has chosen to pursue an approach in which intervening on the jobsite would be kept to a minimum in order to avoid those errors. In this report, a literature review is made on previous work on this topic, as well as a revision of how constituent materials influence thixotropy. Some basic concepts from physics and chemistry are also highlighted as they are applicable to this work. The material properties, mix designs and testing protocols are described in section 3, while the results for cement paste and concrete are discussed in sections 4 and 5, respectively. Section 6 concludes this report. | Dimitri Feys, Piyush Rajendra Lunkad |
| 01/01/20 | January 2020 | Development of Rapid Pavement Repair Materials | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-rapid-pavement-repair-materials/ | Bond strength (Materials), Concrete pavements, Curing agents, Lightweight aggregates, Paving materials, Recycled materials, Repairing | Being that pavement repair and construction represents a significant percentage of federal and state funding, new materials are being investigated to reduce cost and generate a more resilient material. The goal of the project is to develop cost-effective, high performance concrete materials for rapid pavement repair minimizing environmental impact. Experimental study was conducted to investigate sustainable concrete with recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), lightweight aggregate (LWA), and other materials to be used in rapid full-depth repair. To minimize cracking at early age, internal curing (IC) was adapted with RCA and LWA. RCA and LWA is a viable and practical way of producing rapid repair concrete with less drying shrinkage. 10% replacement of silica fume was found to improve performance as necessary as introducing pre-soaked aggregates increases moisture affecting hydration of concrete specimen and decrease drying shrinkage. Further investigation on the materials and techniques together by conducting test trials consisting of fully and partially adding wet and nonwet RCA and LWA, is studied to satisfy the sustainable aspect of the research as a viable method for today’s standards. The Vibration-free concrete (VFC) mixtures provided by Dr. Feys in Missouri University S&T were modified to study the applicability in rapid pavement repair. The modified mixtures were used to study the effects of four different curing conditions (ambient, heat blanket, heat fan, and oven) and the results are presented. The study shows that heating can expedite the strength gain in early age, and oven curing was the best among the curing conditions. The blanket with higher hearing capacity is further studied since it is considered as the practical application in rapid pavement repair in the field. The bond strength between old concrete and VFC modified concrete shows pretty promising results to apply in the bonded concrete overlay, though more extensive measurement of bond strength should be followed. The elastic modulus of VFC modified concrete was measured at early age and the value was smaller than typical elastic modulus of concrete. | Alex Hak-Chul Shin, Denita Walker |
| 01/01/20 | January 2020 | High-Volume Recycled Materials for Sustainable Pavement Construction (Volume III) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/volume-iii-high-volume-recycled-materials-for-sustainable-pavement-construction/ | Fly ash, Greenhouse gases, Rigid pavements, Slag, Sustainable development | Concrete production uses a considerable amount of non-renewable natural resources and generates a significant amount of greenhouse gases. To obtain a more sustainable solution requires examining the two main components of concrete – aggregates and cement. Recycling concrete as aggregate for new concrete reduces construction waste, diverts material from already over-burdened landfills, and lowers demand for virgin aggregate. Using supplementary cementitious materials – such as fly ash, blast furnace slag, and glass powder – also diverts material from landfills and reduces the carbon footprint of concrete. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) estimates that two billion tons of new aggregate are produced each year in the U.S. Aggregate demand is anticipated to increase to two and a half billion tons per year by 2020. With such a high demand for new aggregates, concern arises about the depletion of current sources of natural aggregates and the availability of new sources. Similarly, construction waste produced in the U.S. is expected to continue increasing. From building demolition alone, the annual production of construction waste is estimated to be 123 million tons, with concrete accounting for up to two-thirds of the total weight. Currently, this waste is most commonly disposed of in landfills. To address both the increasing demand for new aggregates and the increasing production of waste, many states have begun to recognize that more sustainable solutions exist in recycling waste concrete for use as aggregate in new concrete – recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). RCA helps address the question of how to sustain modern construction demands for aggregates and reduce the amount of waste entering already overburdened landfills. Many states have begun to implement RCA in new construction. For instance, 41 states have recognized the many uses of RCA as a raw material for riprap, soil stabilization, pipe bedding, and even landscape materials. Of these, 38 states have gone a step further in taking the additional step of integrating RCA into roadway systems for use as aggregate base course material. | Jeffery S. Volz, Julie Ann Hartell, Lexis Allen, Jonathan Drury, Rex McLauchlin, Mohammad Zare Banadkoki |
| 12/31/20 | December 2020 | Service Life Design Guidance For UHPC Link Slabs | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/service-life-design-guidance-for-uhpc-link-slabs/ | Bridge decks, Bridge design, Retrofitting, Service life, Ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) | Design for service life rather than just for strength against potential overload and fatigue failure is becoming a more common consideration for bridges. One aspect of design, and often bridge retrofit, with potential for a large impact is minimizing the number of transverse deck joints. Bridge deterioration can often be traced to poor performance of these deck joints due to failure of the joint seal allowing chloride laden water onto bridge girder ends, bearings, and substructure elements. Using link slabs over the piers allows for eliminating some interior joints and moving expansion joints to the end of the bridge while still maintaining typical bridge behavior. Link slabs allow the simply supported behavior expected for many bridges, yet still transmit deformations and forces to expansion joints and reduce potential penetrations in the bridge deck. Advanced materials, such as ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) can simplify link slab details and substantially improve their durability. UHPC link slabs are specifically relevant to accelerating bridge retrofit in that the short required debonded lengths can significantly reduce the required amount of demolition and the overall time required for the project. Debonded lengths for UHPC link slabs can be as small as 16 in. compared to several feet for conventional construction. While the concrete in the immediate area of the joint may be deteriorated and can be removed quickly, concrete further from the joint will often be sound and take substantial time and labor to remove. The hairline distributed cracks that form in a UHPC link slab limit pathways for water to penetrate to the bridge girders and substructure, and UHPC itself is inherently more durable than conventional concrete due to its very low permeability. | Royce Floyd, Jeffery Volz, Musharraf Zaman |
| 01/31/22 | January 2022 | Extending the Service Life of Rigid Pavement Joints with Self-Healing Sealants | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/extending-the-service-life-of-rigid-pavement-joints-with-self-healing-sealants/ | Rigid pavements, Sealing (Technology), Service life, Structural analysis | In the work proposed here, we will synthesize and characterize a range of CAN materials as potential sealants. Specifically, we will use materials that cure as a two-part epoxy resin that are subsequently capable of undergoing an exchange mechanism between polymer strands within the molecular structure of the materials. This type of rearrangement mechanism does not influence the mechanical properties, such as the Young’s modulus, enabling the material to maintain its structural integrity (i.e., ability to stand up to vehicular loading); however, thermal cycling over time promotes the material to heal cracks and other material defects4 . The starting materials are readily scaled to large applications and can even be bio-sourced to enhance the sustainability of these polymers. Within this chemistry, we will incorporate silicon-based structures to impart flexibility and water resistance. Finally, we will incorporate adhesion promoting silane agents within the monomer formulation for strong concrete-sealant adhesion. Taken together, this material is hypothesized to have excellent mechanical properties with an enhanced service lifetime. | |
| 02/01/19 | February 2019 | Strategies for Concrete Pavement Preservation | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/strategies-for-concrete-pavement-preservation/ | Concrete, Concrete pavements, Economic analysis, Overlays (Pavements), Pavement design, Pavement maintenance, Rehabilitation (Maintenance) | The use of the term “preservation” for concrete pavements is somewhat of a misnomer in that many preservation treatments are actually stop-gap measures used to address visible signs of deterioration in the existing pavement. The treatments address the symptoms of the problem but may not directly address the underlying causes of the distress, which can progress until requiring even more significant rehabilitation, or perhaps even reconstruction. This report redefines the term concrete pavement preservation as “preserving the existing concrete pavement structure to extend its service life for as long as possible, by arresting, greatly diminishing, or avoiding the pavement deterioration process.” This can be achieved through three fundamental approaches: (a) designing and constructing pavements that remain structurally adequate and relatively distress-free throughout their service lives (i.e., using long-life concrete pavement), (b) using asphalt or concrete overlays as preservation treatments to maintain the functional performance of the pavement, and (c) maintaining the serviceability of the pavement using concrete pavement restoration (CPR) treatments. This report reviews the primary factors affecting concrete pavement performance and strategies for concrete pavement preservation. A state-of-the-practice review on the approaches for evaluating the condition of concrete pavements that will help in developing long-term concrete pavement preservation strategies and the engineering economic analysis techniques that can be employed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of various preservation strategies is also included. | Tom Van Dam, Kurt Smith, Mark Snyder, Prashant Ram, Nicole Dufalla |
| 04/29/22 | April 2022 | Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Recycled Fiber Reinforced Concrete for Green Bus Pads | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/experimental-and-numerical-investigation-of-recycled-fiber-reinforced-concrete-for-green-bus-pads/ | Concrete, Construction, Design, Pavement cracking | State transit administrations across the Mid-Atlantic states operate independent or connected transit systems within cities or within several states. Our particular interest is developing new methodologies to help the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) in its operation of a comprehensive transit system throughout the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area, one that has a daily and annual ridership of > 380,000 and 110 million people, respectively. The MTA operates 80 bus lines with over 840 buses serving Baltimore’s public transportation needs, along with the Light Rail, Metro subway, and MARC train. Since nearly half the population of Baltimore residents lack access to a car, the MTA is an important part of the regional transit system. Subsequently, maintaining a durable infrastructure to support the bus transit system and mobility of Baltimore residents is critical. One of the most common issues observed in the Baltimore City bus transit system is the crumbling of bus pads, where the buses stop to pick up riders. Bus pads are highly durable areas of the city roadways at bus stops, typically made of concrete, which is used to address the issue of asphalt distortion at bus stops. This issue is more problematic at high-volume stops where idling buses further heat the roadway surface, as well as near-side stops in mixed-traffic lanes where trucks may be adding to wear and tear. Cracks and damage in concrete pavement occur as a result of shrinkage, settlement, uplift, and excessive weight on the slab. Therefore, there is a continuous need to investigate the cause of the cracking of bus pads and develop a more sustainable design and monitoring approach so that bus pads are not replaced as often, reducing costs and disruptions to service. | Kadir Aslan |
| 08/31/20 | August 2020 | Testing Methods to Assess the Durability of Concrete Permeability-Reducing Admixtures | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/testing-methods-to-assess-the-durability-of-concrete-permeability-reducing-admixtures/ | Admixtures, Concrete, Cracking, Durability tests, Literature reviews, Permeability, Test procedures | The objectives of this project are to perform a thorough literature review to determine if there are existing test methods that can quantify the performance of chemical PRAs, and if so, what acceptance limits should be used. If the researchers do not find suitable existing test methods, they will provide recommendations for the development and evaluation of new test methods. Candidate test methods will be evaluated based on their ability to measure the performance of uncracked concrete, concrete with autogenously healed cracks, admixed materials, and surface-applied materials. Preference will be given for test methods that can be performed in a short time period (~28 days), are low-cost, and quantify fundamental transport properties. | Kyle Riding |
| 04/01/19 | April 2019 | Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Pavement Overlays: Tech Brief | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/tech-brief-fiber-reinforced-concrete-pavement-overlays/ | Concrete pavements, Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC), Fibers, Overlays (Pavements) | The objective of this tech brief is to provide pavement engineers with the information necessary to use fiberreinforced concrete (FRC) for concrete overlays. This tech brief explains how to determine the appropriate fiber reinforcement performance values to specify and implement in the structural design calculations for bonded and unbonded concrete overlay projects. A spreadsheet tool called the Residual Strength Estimator was developed to help pavement engineers use FRC in concrete pavement applications. The tool provides an estimate of the FRC performance value to specify for a project as well as the effective flexural strength to input into the mechanisticempirical (M-E) concrete pavement design software. | Jeffery Roesler, Amanda Bordelon, Alexander Brand, Armen Amirkhanian |
| 07/31/25 | July 2025 | Performance Evaluation of Polyester Polymer Concrete Overlays Continuation Proposal—Phase II (TR-772) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/performance-evaluation-of-polyester-polymer-concrete-overlays-continuation-proposal-phase-ii-tr-772/ | Bridge decks, Case studies, Evaluation and assessment, Guidelines, Overlays (Pavements), Pavement performance, Polymer concrete | The main objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of Polyester Polymer Concrete (PPC) overlays to be applied on two older bridge decks in Iowa and develop guidelines for Iowa DOT that can aid in the implementation, design, and construction of PPC overlays based on challenges and successes observed in the two case studies. This project will aid in future bridge deck overlay decision making and provide design, construction, and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) guidance for future practice. | Mohamed ElBatanouny |
| 04/15/19 | April 2019 | Investigation into Shrinkage of High-Performance Concrete Used for Iowa Bridge Decks and Overlays – Phase II Shrinkage Control and Field Investigation | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/investigation-into-shrinkage-of-high-performance-concrete-used-for-iowa-bridge-decks-and-overlays-phase-ii-shrinkage-control-and-field-investigation/ | Bridge decks, Cement, Concrete overlays, Field tests, High performance concrete (HPC), Laboratory tests, Shrinkage | This Phase II research project on the shrinkage behavior of high-performance concrete (HPC) used in Iowa bridge decks and overlays evaluated several concrete mixes, building off or modifying mixes developed in Phase I. Based on shrinkage behavior and mechanical properties, the mixes studied in Phase I were characterized as having either high, medium, or low cracking potential. In the Phase II study, three concrete mixes (Mixes 6, 8, and 2, characterized in Phase I as having high, medium, and low cracking potential, respectively) were selected for further investigation. The selected mixes were modified using three shrinkage control technologies: shrinkage-reducing admixtures (SRAs), cementitious materials (CM), and internal curing (IC) agents, respectively. The modification methods were first studied in a laboratory until the optimal shrinkage behavior of each concrete mix was achieved. Two pairs of the tested concrete mixes (Mixes 6 and 8 with and without modification) were then used in a field investigation on the US 20 over I-35 dual bridge. The mixes were placed side by side for the bridge overlays, which were monitored for about one year with strain gages, temperature and moisture sensors, and regular visual examinations. The laboratory investigation confirmed positive effects for the concrete shrinkage control technologies used. The laboratory test results also provided specific details for the concrete mix modifications, ensuring optimal concrete performance and shrinkage control. | Kejin Wang, Yifeng Ling, Gilson Lomboy, Sri Sritharan |
| 05/15/21 | May 2021 | Aggregate Subgrade Improvements Using Quarry By-Products: A Field Investigation | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/aggregate-subgrade-improvements-using-quarry-by-products-a-field-investigation/ | Aggregates, Field studies, Improvements, Pavement maintenance, Subgrade (Pavements), Traffic loads, Waste products (Materials) | The purpose of this project is to investigate the constructability, longevity, and overall field performance of aggregate subgrade improvements with quarry by-products subjected to real traffic loads and environmental conditions and incorporate the successful subgrade improvements with QBA into Illinois Department of Transportation’s standard practices for pavement construction and rehabilitation. | Erol Tutumluer |
| 01/14/22 | January 2022 | Development of In-Situ Sensing Method for Monitoring of Water-to-Cement (W/C) Values and the Effectiveness of Curing of Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-in-situ-sensing-method-for-monitoring-of-watercement-w-c-values-and-the-effectiveness-of-curing-of-concrete/ | Concrete curing, Monitoring, Water cement ratio | Water-to-cement (w/c) ratio affects many concrete properties, including strength, porosity, durability, and constructability. However, w/c ratio of any given mixture can be altered during the manufacturing, transportation, and placement of concrete. This proposal aims to develop a sensing method that will enable accurate, in-situ determination of w/c ratio of freshly placed concrete and monitoring of concrete curing conditions. The successful completion of this program will result in significant cost savings to INDOT and taxpayers. | Na Lu, Jan Olek |
| 04/01/20 | April 2020 | Evaluating Laboratory Tests for Use in Specifications for Unbound Base Course Materials | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluating-laboratory-tests-for-use-in-specifications-for-unbound-base-course-materials/ | Base course (Pavements), Granular materials, Laboratory tests, Load tests, Repeated loads, Traffic loads, Triaxial shear tests | A key requirement for performance-based specification for pavement materials is the selection of laboratory tests that can predict their response under conditions similar to those encountered in the field. This paper presents the results of a study that was conducted to evaluate the capability of different laboratory tests to predict the behavior of unbound granular base course materials under cyclic traffic loading. To achieve this objective, a laboratory testing program was conducted on three types of unbound granular base course materials, namely limestone, sandstone, and granite. The laboratory testing program included conducting a static triaxial test as well as three types of repeated load triaxial (RLT) tests on the materials considered at their optimum field compaction conditions. The three types of RLT tests considered included: resilient modulus, single-stage, and multistage RLT tests. The results of the static triaxial tests showed that the considered materials had similar shear strength properties. However, the RLT test results showed a distinct behavior between those materials, such that the limestone and sandstone exhibited the highest and lowest resilient modulus values, respectively, in the resilient modulus test. In addition, the granite and sandstone accumulated the highest and lowest permanent strain, respectively, in both single-stage and multistage RLT tests. The multistage showed that the granite and limestone experienced the unstable collapse behavior at higher cyclic deviatoric stress than sandstone. In addition, the results demonstrated that the resilient strain behavior was distinct from that of the permanent strain, which indicates that the resilient modulus test cannot be solely used to evaluate the performance of base course materials under cyclic traffic loading. Finally, this study demonstrated that the multistage RLT test provides an important tool to characterize the long-term behavior of a base course material at varying stress conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to use this test in future performance-based specification. | Nazzal, Munir D; Mohammad, Louay N; Austin, Aaron |
| 01/01/19 | January 2019 | Best Practices for Placing Concrete Overlays on Prestressed Slab Bridges | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/best-practices-for-placing-concrete-overlays-on-prestressed-slab-bridges/ | Best practices, Bond strength (Materials), Bridge decks, Concrete overlays, Laboratory tests, Precast concrete, Prestressed concrete bridges, Shear strength, Slabs, Tensile strength | The objective of this research was to identify alternatives to the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration’s (MDOT SHA's) procedure of placing cast-in-place concrete overlays on prestressed bridge decks. The current practice involves the application of a cement-sand slurry mix over the bridge deck prior to placement of overlay concrete. The reinforcement cage for the overlay is removed from its position to facilitate uniform, consistent application of slurry mix over the bridge deck and then subsequently placed back in position. Overlay concrete is then poured to finish the procedure. The current process is time sensitive as it requires that the slurry mix at the deck-overlay interface is in a non-set condition and is still consistent when the overlay concrete is being poured. To evaluate alternatives to this process, this research tested the shear bond and tensile bond strengths by two different test setups: Double-L test and Split-Prism test, respectively. Seven different cases including the reference test case that uses slurry mix were designed for both test setups and the results compared to suggest recommendations for laying concrete overlays in future projects. Of the six cases other than the reference case with slurry mix, four cases simply had different groove configurations running on the underlying substrate. The other two cases involved use of a commercial bonding agent and anchors used as shear studs. Use of materials, mix design specifications, and curing regimes, were in accordance with current MDOT SHA specifications and industry practices. The results of the research on the prestressed slab panels with pre-existing grooves over which the overlay concrete could be directly poured without the need for a slurry or other bonding agents, were very positive. | A.M. Amde, S. Sharma, K. Singaraju and S. Essien |
| 04/01/20 | April 2020 | Optimizing Field Data Collection & Developing Advanced GPR Processing Modules | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/optimizing-field-data-collection-developing-advanced-gpr-processing-modules/ | Bituminous overlays, Bridge decks, Condition surveys, Data collection, Delamination, Ground penetrating radar | Over the past several years Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) developed a Ground Penetration Radar (GPR) data collection plan for bridge decks. GPR data was collected and analyzed to monitor several hundred bridge decks. MDOT SHA worked with the Maryland Environmental Services (MES) and the University of Maryland (UMD) to develop new analysis modules for concrete delamination and HMA overlay condition and evaluate the feasibility of higher-speed protocols for SF-GPR data collection. A bridge deck condition assessment model (BDCAM) was developed to estimate the deck condition and condition state. Deck condition is defined based on a fuzzy model of the various levels of defect and deterioration of the deck. The UMD study concluded that the BDCAM model estimates agree with the NBI values for 90.9% of the 219 bridge decks analyzed within two levels of the condition scale. The comparison of BDCAM analysis with state inspection deck reports for eight bridges provided consistent conclusions for seven out of the eight cases, all in the “fair” category. The study also concluded that it is possible to increase the GPR data acquisition speed from 10 mph to 13 mph on driving lanes with low surface roughness (IRI less than 100). | Dimitrios G. Goulias |
| 01/01/20 | January 2020 | Enhancing Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete for Construction and Repair | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/enhancing-performance-of-fiber-reinforced-concrete-for-construction-and-repair/ | Bridge decks, Concrete bridges, Concrete pavements, Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC), Reinforcement (Engineering), Repairing | The overarching purpose of this research is development of knowledge and a novel technique to enhance properties of Eco-Bridge-Crete, fiber-reinforced self-consolidating concrete (FR-SCC) and fiber-reinforced super-workable concrete (FR-SWC) for higher crack resistance and improved flexural properties in construction and repair by taking advantage of hybrid fibers, chemical admixtures (shrinkage reducing agents (SRA) and expansive agents (EA)) and lightweight sand (LWS). A binary or ternary system of EA, SRA and LWS with selected fibers will be optimized to enhance shrinkage cracking resistance, mechanical properties and durability of the targeted mixtures. The incorporation of fibers with EA, SRA and LWS can increase the flexural properties and help to replace a portion of steel reinforcement bars in flexural members or reduce thickness of repair overlays without compromising flexural strength/toughness and crack resistance. The selected mixtures will be used in large-scale members to assess their structural performance in construction and repair. | Kamal Khayat |
| 12/01/20 | December 2020 | Mechanical Properties of Pressure-Moulded Fibre-Reinforced Pervious Concrete Pavement Brick | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/mechanical-properties-of-pressure-moulded-fibre-reinforced-pervious-concrete-pavement-brick/ | Composite materials, Compressive strength, Concrete pavements, fiber reinforced concrete, Mechanical properties, Permeability, Porosity, Tensile strength | Utilising pervious concrete (PC) increases the environmental, economic, and social benefits. This study aims to investigate the mechanical performance of PC paving bricks using smaller single-sized coarse aggregates with different types of fibres: Kevlar, Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), and Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibres. Four PC mixes were designed using a modified ACI method and paving bricks formed using a pressure compaction method of 2 MPa and air-curing for 28 days. Results showed that the use of smaller coarse aggregate results in reduced porosity. However, the addition of fibres at a volume fraction of 0.3% lead to approximately 47%, 21.5%, and 18.8% decrease in 28-days compressive strength, and 26%, 7.3%, and 17.6% reduction in tensile splitting strength for specimens containing Kevlar, PVA, and UHMWPE fibres, respectively. When compared with the control group, an optimum 9.5% increase in the flexural strength shows the effectiveness of the fibre addition. The permeability values range between 0.15 cm/s to 0.39 cm/s, which is proportional to the porosity of the material and satisfactory according to ACI standards. Combining the pressure compaction method and the addition of fibres adversely affects the compressive and splitting tensile strength, while increasing the flexural strength slightly. An alternative forming/moulding method that can fully utilise the addition of fibres is worth further investigation. | Bukola Oni, Jun Xia, Mengdi Liu |
| 12/10/19 | December 2019 | Utilization of Recycled Concrete Aggregates for Light-Stabilization of Clay Soils | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/utilization-of-recycled-concrete-aggregates-for-light-stabilization-of-clay-soils/ | Clay soils, Compressive strength, Concrete aggregates, Recycled materials, Shear strength, Soil stabilization | Due to the abundance of urban building constructions and renewals in developing and developed countries, there is a continuous increase in the amount of construction and demolition (C&D) wastes that is landfilled. Recycling and reuse of construction and demolition materials, in applications such as in pavement constructions and non-structural building elements, results in preserving natural resources and reducing environmental pollution. This experimental study evaluates the viability of using recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) for improving the shear/compressive strengths and deformation properties of clay soils. A comprehensive series of compaction, uniaxial compression, and direct shear tests were performed on carefully proportioned mixtures of RCA and a clay soil. Test results and observations indicate that the introduction of RCA to clay soils results in lower dry density and higher unconfined compressive strength (UCS), which increases with moist curing. Clay soils mixed with RCA have higher tendencies for dilative behavior (during shear) and enhanced shear strengths compared to the parent clay soil. Mixing RCA with clay soils results in stronger, stiffer, and less compressible blends that are particularly suitable for construction purposes such as sub-base/subgrade of road pavements. | Marzieh Kianimehr, Piltan Tabatabaie Shourijeh, Seyed Mohammad Mohammad Binesh, Alireza Mohammadinia, Arul Arulrajah |
| 12/01/19 | December 2019 | Experimental Evaluation of the High-Grade Properties of Recycled Concrete Aggregates and their Application in Concrete Road Pavement Construction | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/experimental-evaluation-of-the-high-grade-properties-of-recycled-concrete-aggregates-and-their-application-in-concrete-road-pavement-construction/ | Case studies, Coarse aggregates, Concrete aggregates, Concrete pavements, Freeze thaw durability, Mechanical properties, Paving, Recycled materials | In Flanders, up to 20% of the coarse natural aggregates in concrete mixtures for certain applications in road pavement construction may be replaced by high-grade recycled concrete aggregates (RCA). The RCA and resulting recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) have to comply with the high-grade criteria specified in the Flemish ‘Standard Tender Specifications 250 version 3.1’ and require extensive and time-consuming testing procedures, leading to reluctance in effectively prescribing and using recycled aggregates. The objective of this case study is therefore to draw up practical recommendations for the rapid identification of high-grade RCA. RCA from different sources are investigated and subsequently used in two concrete road pavement construction applications, namely linear elements and applications within the Flemish concrete construction class ‘BF’ (i.e. cycle paths, footpaths and agricultural roads). The experimental results indicate that the aggregate density along with the water content appear to be good predictors for the resistance to abrasion (i.e., the Los Angeles coefficient). The aggregate experiments also show that, in order to fulfill the aforementioned tender specifications criteria, it is important to demolish and store the source material in such a way that no contamination with non-concrete materials (such as ceramics) takes place, maintaining a high specific density. The experiments on RAC, on the other hand, show that an aggregate replacement rate of up to 40% of the coarse fraction has no detrimental effect on the mechanical and durability performance. When comparing the results of both aggregate and concrete experiments, they show that freeze-thaw resistance of the concrete aggregates has slight to no impact on the freeze-thaw resistance of the concrete. | S. Kox, J. Vanroelen, H. de Krem, B. Vandoren |
| December 2019 | Mechanical Performance of Concrete Made of Steel Fibers from Tire Waste | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/mechanical-performance-of-concrete-made-of-steel-fibers-from-tire-waste/ | Concrete, Mechanical properties, Recycled materials, Steel fibers, Tires, Waste products (Materials) | Currently, the disposal of used tires is a worldwide challenge, due to their non-degradability. Therefore, recycling has become a potential solution for managing such waste. During recycling, materials such as rubber and steel are recovered from the used tires. The use of steel fibres, recovered from tire waste, as a raw material to reinforce concrete is an environmentally friendly and economically viable solution to manage the end-products of tire recycling. Few studies have been carried out to study the behaviour of fibre-reinforced concrete made using steel fibres recovered from tire waste. However, it has been found that there is the potential to reuse steel fibres recovered from tire waste (RF) as an alternative building material to manufactured steel fibres (SF). Nevertheless, more research is needed to verify that the structural performance of recycled fibre reinforced concrete (RFRC) is similar to that of manufactured fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC). Therefore, this study focuses on the laboratory testing of the mechanical properties of RFRC and compares them with those of SFRC. Moreover, the flexural performance of reinforced concrete beams cast with RF and SF have been tested to compare their performance. | S M Samindi M K Samarakoon, Pål Ruben, Jørgen Wie Pedersen, Luis Evangelista | |
| 12/01/19 | December 2019 | The Effect of Using Low Fines Content Sand on the Fresh and Hardened Properties of Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/the-effect-of-using-low-fines-content-sand-on-the-fresh-and-hardened-properties-of-roller-compacted-concrete-pavement/ | Coarse aggregates, Fine aggregates, Mechanical properties, Porosity, Roller compacted concrete pavements, sand, Tensile strength | Aggregate gradation is one of the most important property that influence the behaviour of roller-compacted concrete pavement (RCCP). There are some limitations for gradation of coarse and fine aggregates from the standards. Based on the ACI 211.3R, the content of sand size less than 75 micrometres should be between 2% to 8% of the total aggregates. To study the effectiveness of using a nonstandard sand (a sand with a gradation out of the specified restrictions) on the properties of RCCP, three types of sand with a difference in very fine particles content were used. The sands used are: 1) standard sand, 2) modified sands containing about 6% limestone powder, and 3) a low fines content sand containing <1% very fine particles. Two types of RCCP containing 12% and 15% cement were used as control mix. The results show that using low fines content sand or limestone modified sand instead of standard sand in RCCP increased Vebe time. The use of low fines content sand in RCCP did not have significant effect on the compressive, splitting tensile and flexural tensile strengths. However, the use of limestone modified sand in the RCCP significantly reduced the mechanical properties. RCCP was made of low fines content sand had more porosity than RCCP with standard sand. It can be concluded from test results that sand with lack in very fine particles can be used in RCCP. | Mohammad Hashemi, Payam Shafigh, Mehdi Abbasi, Iman Asadi |
| 03/10/20 | March 2020 | Alternative Materials for Wearing Course of Concrete Pavements: A Critical Review | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/alternative-materials-for-wearing-course-of-concrete-pavements-a-critical-review/ | Admixtures, Concrete pavements, fiber reinforced concrete, Fly ash, Mechanical properties, Silica fume, wearing course (pavements) | The existing worldwide road length of concrete pavements is significant. Furthermore, concrete pavements have a number of specific applications, even though they are second to asphalt pavements in terms of current popularity. Besides, asphalt is a rapidly depleting resource, which might mean that concrete is the chief material for the future. However, concrete pavements have their drawbacks, such as high construction cost, low tensile strength, and significant contribution to global carbon-dioxide emissions. The present study aims to address these drawbacks by reviewing the prominent alternative materials that may be utilized to replace cement and/or aggregates in concrete. The potential of alternatives such as coal ash, silica fume, nano-silica, fly ash, slag, and recycled concrete aggregate is investigated. In addition, the effects of adding fibers (as both fiber-reinforced concrete and engineered cementitious composite) to concrete pavements are discussed. This review will also help pavement engineers and researchers to ascertain which combination of materials to use so that mechanical properties better than conventional concrete are achieved. The specific advantages and disadvantages due to various combinations of materials, in several types of concrete pavements such as conventional concrete, roller-compacted concrete, and self-compacting concrete are discussed in detail. | Shreyas Pranav, Shubham Aggarwal, Enh-Hua Yang, Ashoke Kumar Sarkar, Ajit Pratap Singh, Mukund Lahoti |
| 04/20/20 | April 2020 | Using Post-Cracking Strength to Determine Flexural Capacity of Ultra-Thin Whitetopping (UTW) Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/using-post-cracking-strength-to-determine-flexural-capacity-of-ultra-thin-whitetopping-utw-pavements/ | Composite pavements, fiber reinforced concrete, Flexural strength, Polymer fibers, Polypropylene, Whitetopping | Utilizing fibrillated polypropylene fibers (FPP) in ultra-thin whitetopping (UTW) has become increasingly popular to improve the flexural capacity of concrete slabs. The calculated flexural strength (i.e., modulus of rupture [MOR]) depends on the elastic formula of ASTM C78 does not illustrate the fiber’s benefits. Therefore, the concept of effective modulus of rupture (MOReff.) that is determined from the equivalent flexural strength ratio has been used to quantify the added flexural capacity of fibers on unreinforced concrete. The purpose of this study is to investigate the benefits of testing the FRC/asphalt composite beam on the flexural capacity of UTW. Three main parameters have been taken into consideration: FPP content, pavement thickness, and failure mode. Furthermore, comparison was made to verify the effectiveness of composite beams for flexural capacity. Six different cases of concrete beams and ten cases of FRC/asphalt composite beams were performed. The results of the composite beam showed that the flexural capacity was higher than the capacity of the concrete layer. In addition, using FPP in the composite beams improved the MOReff. The results also revealed that testing UTW under noncommon failure modes did not reflect the real flexural capacity of UTW. The required UTW thickness depends on the proposed flexural capacity of the composite beam being less than the required thickness that is calculated depends on the concrete beam. | Nakin Suksawang, Ahmed Alsabbagh, Alaa Shaban, Salam Wtaife |
| 02/28/20 | February 2020 | Utilisation of Recycled Concrete Aggregates for Sustainable Highway Pavement Applications: A Review | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/utilisation-of-recycled-concrete-aggregates-for-sustainable-highway-pavement-applications-a-review/ | Concrete aggregates, Life cycle analysis, Paving materials, Recycled materials, Sustainable development | Highway pavements are very expensive infrastructures that consume very high amounts of natural resources. Utilisation of recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) for highway pavement construction can bring a number of benefits towards environmental, economic, and societal sustainability. This would reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry, result in natural resource conservation, reduction in harmful emissions, and minimisation of cost of pavement construction. This paper reviews available literatures on the use of RCA for highway pavements. Both flexible and rigid pavements were covered. The studies revealed that RCA can be applied in all pavement layers; subgrade, capping, subbase, roadbase, and surfacing. The physical and mechanical properties of the RCA and how they affect its performance were studied and compared with those of natural aggregates (NA). Available techniques for improving the performance of RCA in concrete and asphalt mixes were also discussed. The benefits and sustainability gains of RCA utilisation were summarised from available life-cycle assessments conducted in the literatures. RCA has been considered as a feasible sustainable alternative to NA in highway pavement applications, but there still exists a large disparity in the recommendations of the replacement levels for asphalt mixes. To ensure that the pavements are sustainable without compromising their quality and functionality, the utilisation of RCA should be encouraged after further indebt studies that would lead to a more consensus standard specifications and guidelines. | Chidozie Maduabuchukwu Nwakaire, Soon Poh Yap, Chiu Chuen Onn, Choon Wah Yuen, Hussein Adebayo Ibrahim |
| 02/10/20 | February 2020 | Performance Assessments of Open-Graded Cement-Stabilized Macadam Containing Recycled Aggregate | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/performance-assessments-of-open-graded-cement-stabilized-macadam-containing-recycled-aggregate/ | Cement, macadam, Open graded aggregates, Performance tests, Recycled materials, Stabilized materials, Wastes | Increased awareness of sustainability has called for increasing use of construction waste in civil infrastructures. However, the incorporation of construction waste should be well examined without compromising the performance. There are few studies focusing on applying construction waste in pervious concrete. This study was aimed at exploring the feasibility of reusing recycled aggregate from construction waste for open-graded cement stabilized macadam (OGCSM) and evaluating its performance. Various replacement ratios of recycled aggregate ranging from 0% to 100% were designed and studied in the OGCSM. The performance of OGCSM containing recycled aggregate are comprehensively evaluated. Specifically unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test, indirect tensile strength (ITS) test, compression resilience modulus test, dry shrinkage test, frost resistance test, and permeability test were conducted. As the results showed, the UCS, ITS, and compression resilience modulus of OGCSM decreased with the increase of replacement ratios of recycled aggregate. Dry shrinkage performance also declined with the increase of recycled aggregate content while permeability performance increased with the increase of recycled aggregate content. The UCS after freeze-thaw cycles declined with the increase of recycled aggregate content and cycles. However, there was no significant correlation between residue strength rate and recycled aggregate content. When the replacement ratio was 30%, the residue strength rate was maximum. Although the performance of OGCSM declined with the increase of recycled aggregate content, it could be potentially used in the base of the highway when the performance of OGCSM containing appropriate amount of recycled aggregate met the requirement of base layer of pavements. | Kezhen Yan, Guokai Li, Lingyun You, Yubo Zhou, Shenghua Wu |
| 01/20/20 | January 2020 | Advanced Reinforced Concrete Pavement: Concept and Design | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/advanced-reinforced-concrete-pavement-concept-and-design/ | Continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRC pavements), Costs, Cracking, Pavement design, Reinforcing bars, Rigid pavements | A state-of-the-art rigid pavement structure called the advanced reinforced concrete pavement (ARCP) was developed to overcome major shortcomings of the continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP), which were the high construction cost because of a huge amount of steel bars and the performance reduction caused by undesirable crack patterns. The steel design method of ARCP was developed to eliminate unnecessary steel bars in CRCP, and the crack induction strategies of ARCP were accomplished to provide even better pavement performance. The numerical analyses, laboratory experiments, and field experiments were conducted to confirm the concept of ARCP, to find the most appropriate design of ARCP, and to validate ARCP finally. Details of the efforts to develop ARCP are comprehensively presented. | Seong-Min Kim, Young Kyo Cho, Jun Ho Lee |
| 01/25/21 | January 2021 | Mechanical and Durability Properties of Fiber Reinforced Concrete Overlay: Experimental Results and Numerical Simulation | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/mechanical-and-durability-properties-of-fiber-reinforced-concrete-overlay-experimental-results-and-numerical-simulation/ | Concrete overlays, Durability, fiber reinforced concrete, Finite element method, Mechanical properties, Simulation, Steel fibers, Synthetic fibers | Nowadays, fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) overlays are used for repairing and reinforcing pavements. In this research, some experimental tests performed to investigate the effects of steel and synthetic fibers on the performance of the concrete overlay. The synthetic fiber in this study is based on Modified Synthetic Polypropylene (MSP) Fiber. Plain and FRC specimens underwent flexural and compressive strength, and durability tests. The results show that the use of MSP in concrete overlays increases compressive and flexural strength, residual strength, ductility, and energy absorption, and reduces the resistance of concrete against freezing and thawing cycles. Using similar addition volume, steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) has better flexural performance and lower compressive strength and workability than modified synthetic polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete (MSPFRC). To determine the thickness of the bonded concrete overlay (t), the Portland Cement Association (PCA) design criteria were used. In this study, these criteria simulated using finite element (FE). The results showed that the use of MSP in concrete overlays could reduce the thickness of bonded concrete overlay up to 15%. | Mahmoud Hasani, Fereidoon Moghadas Nejad, Jafar Sobhani, Mahdi Chini |
| 12/30/20 | December 2020 | Evaluation of Novel Jointless Engineered Cementitious Composite Ultra-thin Whitetopping (ECC-UTW) Overlay | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-novel-jointless-engineered-cementitious-composite-ultra-thin-whitetopping-ecc-utw-overlay/ | Cement, Composite materials, Evaluation, Overlays (Pavements), Whitetopping | The objective of this study was to evaluate the construction, material characterization, initial structural assessment, and cost of a novel jointless engineered cementitious composite ultra-thin whitetopping (ECC-UTW) overlay. After construction, early-age cracks (from less than 0.25 mm to up to 2.54 mm width) were observed in the 101.6 mm (4 in.) jointless ECC-UTW section; yet, the majority of the cracks coincided with areas where fiber clumps were observed during construction and places of heavy instrumentation. On the other hand, no cracks were observed in the 63.5 mm (2.5 in.) jointless ECC-UTW at early ages; yet, when winter arrived, micro-cracks (<0.25 mm in width) developed. These micro-cracks were attributed to the normal functioning of the ductile pseudo strain-hardening (PSH) mechanism of ECC materials. Falling weight deflectometer (FWD) evaluation conducted before and after the construction of the UTWs showed a significant reduction in pavement deflection after construction. This deflection reduction was much more substantial for thicker 101.6 mm UTWs; yet, no major difference in deflection reduction was found between the 101.6 mm ECC and the 101.6 mm regular concrete UTW sections. The 28-day compressive and flexural strength of ECC evaluated from field specimens underperformed that of previous studies by 9.6% and 14.8%, respectively; however, deflection capacity slightly outperformed that of previous studies by 4.1%. The flexural performance of the ECC material was vastly superior to that of regular concrete exceeding the flexural strength by 92%. All specimens evaluated in uniaxial tension exhibited a PSH behavior after first-cracking; however, the tensile strength and tensile ductility values obtained underperformed expected values for ECC M3-15% and exhibited substantial variability. Uniaxial tensile test results from field specimens were deemed unreliable. Cost analysis results showed that a cost reduction of 14.8% per lane kilometer is expected by implementing the proposed jointless ECC-UTW system compared to that of the regular jointed concrete UTW. The greatest construction cost savings for utilizing ECC originates from its potential jointless attribute and its reduced thickness. | Ricardo Hungria, Gabriel Arce, Marwa Hassan, Michele Anderson, Moinul Mahdi, Tyson Rupnow, Susan Bogus |
| 11/20/20 | November 2020 | Influence of Dually Mixing with Latex Powder and Polypropylene Fiber on Toughness and Shrinkage Performance of Overlay Repair Mortar | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/influence-of-dually-mixing-with-latex-powder-and-polypropylene-fiber-on-toughness-and-shrinkage-performance-of-overlay-repair-mortar/ | Fibers, latex, Overlays (Pavements), patching mortar, Polymer fibers, Polypropylene, Shrinkage, toughness | The influence of dually mixing of polymer latex powder and polypropylene fiber on the toughness and the shrinkage of the overlay repair mortar (ORM) was investigated. To this end, the L9(34) orthogonal test scheme was designed to evaluate the strength, the ratio of flexural strength to compressive strength (RFSCS), and shrinkage ratio of the mortar at different ages and to optimize the mix parameters of ORM with minimum shrinkage, high toughness, and strength. Fitting and regression analysis were conducted to establish the shrinkage model of ORM, and the significance was assessed by a run test. The results indicate that the latex powder and the polypropylene fiber can significantly improve the toughness, but weaken the strength of the mortar to some extent. The exponential relation between the shrinkage ratio and time is significant at a significance level of α = 0.01. The comprehensive performance of the mortar of prioritizing the volume stability is optimal when the amount of polymer is 2.5%, length of the fiber is 9 mm, amount of the fiber is 0.2%, and content of silica fume is 2.5%. Moreover, it is suitable to be used as an overlay repair material for concrete pavements. | Jiansen Yang, Rui Wang, Yuanyuan Zhang |
| 01/25/21 | January 2021 | Fracture and Mechanical Performance of Two-Lift Concrete Pavements Made of Roller Compacted Concrete and Polypropylene Fibers | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/fracture-and-mechanical-performance-of-two-lift-concrete-pavements-made-of-roller-compacted-concrete-and-polypropylene-fibers/ | Concrete pavements, Flexural strength, fracture properties, Mechanical properties, Polymer fibers, Polypropylene, Roller compacted concrete | The present study has examined the two-lift concrete pavement (2LCP) fracture and mechanical behavior by casting the Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) as the bottom lift and the conventional or fibrous portland cement concrete (PCC, FPCC) as the top lift. To this end, the three-point bending test was carried out on notched beams by considering different thicknesses for both layers. Results showed that fibers had no positive effects on the compressive and flexural strength, but improved the post cracking behavior considerably. Compared to full-depth RCC/PCC, 2LCP specimens had similar flexural strengths, but an increase in the FPCC top-layer thickness increased the fracture energy noticeably. | Mohsen Ahmadi, Gholam Ali Shafabakhsh, Abolfazl Hassani |
| 01/25/21 | January 2021 | Feasibility of Low Fiber Content PVA-ECC for Jointless Pavement Application | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/feasibility-of-low-fiber-content-pva-ecc-for-jointless-pavement-application/ | Cement, Composite materials, Concrete pavements, continuous structures, fiber reinforced concrete, Finite element method | The objectives of this study were to: (1) develop and evaluate the properties of low fiber content engineered cementitious composites (ECC) incorporating readily available ingredients (i.e., non-oil-coated PVA fiber, fine river sand, and Class F fly ash); and (2) evaluate the response of a low fiber content ECC material in pavement applications based on finite element analysis (FEA). Experimental results showed that reducing fiber content produced a decrease in the tensile strength and tensile ductility of ECC, which translated into a reduction of the flexural strength and deflection capacity of the composites; however, the compressive strength increased. Furthermore, increments in fly ash content caused an increase in the ductility of the composites; yet, the strengths (i.e., compressive, tensile, and flexural) were negatively affected. The modified restrained cracking potential parameter (Pm) calculated for all ECC materials was highly negative suggesting the possibility of jointless pavement functionality. A low fiber content PVA-ECC material, M3-1.5%, was successfully developed and evaluated for pavement applications utilizing flexural fatigue testing and FEA. Flexural fatigue performance of M3-1.5% underperformed regular ECC; yet, substantially outperformed regular concrete. Furthermore, FEA results showed that the critical tensile stresses developed at the bottom of the low fiber content ECC pavements can be substantially reduced compared to those generated on regular concrete pavements due to its plastic deformation capability. In turn, this could mitigate the brittle failure of rigid pavements and allow for substantial thickness reduction. | Gabriel A. Arce, Hassan Noorvand, Marwa M. Hassan, Tyson Rupnow, Nirmal Dhakal |
| 12/10/20 | December 2020 | Temperature Variation and Stresses in Unreinforced Concrete Pavement Containing RAP | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/temperature-variation-and-stresses-in-unreinforced-concrete-pavement-containing-rap/ | Admixtures, Concrete pavements, Reclaimed asphalt pavements, Temperature, thermal stresses | Temperature profile and corresponding stresses in concrete pavement were investigated on prototype scale. Four prototypes were considered, conventional and 25%, 50%, and 75% of fine-reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) inclusive concrete mixes. The observed temperature profile during 270 days was nonlinear with higher degree of nonlinearity for conventional mixes. The profile could be represented in quadratic form, which annuls the assumption of linear temperature variation in numerous design methodologies. The total temperature stresses were lower for RAP inclusive prototypes. Stresses with linear temperature profile assumption over or under-estimated and failed to identify the nature of the stress due to actual temperature profile. | Sarah Mariam Abraham, G D R N Ransinchung |
| 12/01/20 | December 2020 | Concrete Roadway Crack Segmentation Using Encoder-Decoder Networks with Range Images | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/concrete-roadway-crack-segmentation-using-encoder-decoder-networks-with-range-images/ | Concrete pavements, Cracking, image coding, networks, Neural networks, pavement grooving, Roads | Recently, researchers have utilized DCNN for pixel-wise crack classification through semantic segmentation. Nevertheless, some issues in current DCNN-based roadway crack segmentation are yet to be fully addressed. For example, image pre-processing techniques are often required to eliminate the surface variations in range images, which may bring uncertainties due to subjective parameter selection; besides, disturbances from many non-crack patterns such as pavement grooves can deteriorate the crack segmentation performance, which remains a challenge for current DCNN-based methodologies. This paper proposes a methodology based on encoder-decoder networks to achieve pixel-wise crack classification performance on laser-scanned range images, under the disturbance of surface variations and grooved patterns in concrete pavements. The raw range data is directly applied in this methodology without any pre-processing. A comparative study is performed to determine the optimal architecture layout among 12 proposed candidates. Meanwhile, the influence of residual connections on DCNN performance is investigated and demonstrated. | Shanglian Zhou, Wei Song |
| 01/10/21 | January 2021 | Hardened State Behaviour of Self-Compacting Concrete Pavement Mixes Containing Alternative Aggregates and Secondary Binders | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/hardened-state-behaviour-of-self-compacting-concrete-pavement-mixes-containing-alternative-aggregates-and-secondary-binders/ | Admixtures, Binders, Concrete aggregates, Concrete pavements, Mechanical properties, Nondestructive tests (NDT), Recycled materials, self compacting concrete | Hardened state behaviour of two grades (normal- and medium-strength) of self-compacting concrete (SCC) pavement mixes containing varying proportions of recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) as an alternative aggregate is reported in this paper. These two SCC grades were designed by varying the proportions of fly ash, silica fume, and metakaolin in binary and ternary blends of portland cement. The suitability of these mixes were evaluated for continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCP) application considering various performance as well as the quality control parameters. The results (both experimental and analytical) depicted that inclusion of RCA in saturated-surface-dry (SSD) moisture state would not have any negative effect on fresh and hardened state behaviour of the SCC-CRCP mixes. Although the cement content in some of the mixes were higher than the recommended limit, all the mixes could meet the minimum stipulated flexural strength criterion of 4.5 MPa at 28 days of curing for CRCP. However, to maximize the benefit (utilizing fewer natural resources and more recycled materials) without compromising with the engineering properties, high-volume fly ash based (50%) normal-grade SCC containing 100% RCAs is recommended. | Ran Bir Singh, Solomon Debbarma, Navanit Kumar, Surender Singh |
| 12/01/20 | December 2020 | Dual-Crystallization Waterproofing Technology for Topical Treatment of Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/dual-crystallization-waterproofing-technology-for-topical-treatment-of-concrete/ | Building materials, Concrete, Concrete pavements, crystallization, Durability, Pavement maintenance, Properties of materials, Waterproofing | Concrete structures and pavements are subjected to various durability problems associated with moisture penetration through the pores and the capillary networks. Published data on waterproofing has provided conflicting and inaccurate information on crystalline-based technologies. Chem-Crete Pavix DCE is a patented, dual-crystalline waterproofing technology with performance characteristics, which are materially distinct from other crystalline-based technologies. It combines hygroscopic crystallization, hydrophilic crystallization, and hydrophobic characteristics. This publication presents the results of experimental research work on the significant characteristics of the dual-crystallization waterproofing technology as a treatment for existing or fully cured concrete. A program of laboratory testing has been completed in compliance with applicable ASTM and AASHTO standards using common concrete design mixes, in addition to cored specimens obtained from existing concrete pavements. The investigated experimental parameters included pore size, density, permeability, water absorption, resistance to cycles of freezing and thawing, chloride ion penetration, and mechanical properties of the surface, including pull-off strength, abrasion resistance and the coefficient of friction. Treated concrete has been found to have higher density, less voids, less surface area, and lower permeability than untreated specimens. These characteristics yielded significant reduction in water absorption, significant increase in resistance to damage from freezing and thawing and to biological attack, and significant reduction in chloride ion penetration, without negative impacts on mechanical properties. | Radi Al-Rashad, Maher Jabari |
| 11/30/20 | November 2020 | Flexural Behavior of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Recycled Aggregate Concrete and Its Impact on the Cost and Carbon Footprint of Concrete Pavement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/flexural-behavior-of-glass-fiber-reinforced-recycled-aggregate-concrete-and-its-impact-on-the-cost-and-carbon-footprint-of-concrete-pavement/ | Concrete aggregates, Concrete pavements, Costs, Flexural strength, glass fiber reinforced concrete, Greenhouse gases | In this study, an effort is presented towards the appraisal of the economic and environmental performance of concrete pavement with the glass fiber (GF) reinforced concrete with and without concrete waste aggregates (CWA). The performance of pavement with plain and fiber-reinforced concretes was compared based on the results of economic and environmental analysis. Firstly, this study evaluated the important mechanical properties (flexural strength, elastic modulus, and residual strength) of the concrete mixes incorporating different quantities of CWA (as 0%, 30%, 50%, and 100% replacement of natural coarse aggregate) and GF (as 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% volume fraction). Then, the mechanical properties were used to design the thickness of jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) for different concrete mixes under similar design loading conditions. Finally, using the cost and carbon emissions of each mix per cubic meter, the cost of pavement (CP) and carbon emissions of pavement (EP) per square meter were evaluated. The results of flexural testing revealed that CWA concretes with a small percentage of GF (i.e., 0.25%) can yield better flexural strength, toughness, and residual strength than conventional plain concrete. CP and EP analysis showed the remarkable economic and environmental benefits of fiber-reinforced concrete application in JPCP. At any level of CWA, 0.25% GF addition into concrete yielded concrete pavement with a 20% lower cost and carbon-footprint than that produced with the conventional plain concrete. The CWA level can be maximized into concrete pavement with the GF addition, otherwise plain CWA concrete yields cost and carbon footprint similar to that of the conventional concrete. | Babar Ali, Liaqat Ali Qureshi, Sibghat Ullah Khan |
| 11/30/20 | November 2020 | Microstructural Study and Surface Properties of Concrete Pavements Containing Nanoparticles | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/microstructural-study-and-surface-properties-of-concrete-pavements-containing-nanoparticles/ | Abrasion resistance, Concrete pavements, Microstructure, Nanostructured materials, Skid resistance, Surface course (Pavements), surface dynamics | This investigation focused on the effect of nanoparticles on microstructural surface characteristics, abrasion, and skid resistance of concrete pavements. Firstly, the percentage of optimal replacement of nanoparticles was determined. In the second part, the nano-modified concrete similar to mortars in terms of water-to-cement and sand-to-cement ratio were made to study the abrasion resistance and British pendulum number (BPN) as skid resistance property. Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were applied to accurately evaluate the microstructural properties. Concerning concrete containing different nanoparticles, nano-montmorillonite yielded the most considerable improvement in abrasion resistance (about 23%). By examining the MIP results, a good correlation was observed between the volume of the large pores plus the average pore size and the volume reduction in the abrasion test. By comparing the effect of nanoparticles on improving the skid resistance under wet and dry conditions, it was found that the samples containing nanoparticles in dry conditions generated more significant improvements (about 20%) compared with the wet conditions (about 7%). The results of the AFM test revealed that improvement in samples containing nanoparticles was because of increased surface roughness and enhanced surface adhesion due to Van Der Waals forces. | Parviz Ghoddousi, Maziar Zareechian, Ali Akbar Shirzadi Javid, Asghar Habibnejad Korayem |
| 12/10/20 | December 2020 | Deep Learning Models for Bridge Deck Evaluation Using Impact Echo | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/deep-learning-models-for-bridge-deck-evaluation-using-impact-echo/ | acoustic emission tests, Bridge decks, Concrete bridges, machine learning, Neural networks, Nondestructive tests (NDT) | Impact echo (IE) is a common nondestructive evaluation (NDE) method to detect subsurface defects in concrete bridge decks. The conventional approach for analyzing the IE data requires user expertise to define analysis parameters that could hinder broad field implementation. In this paper, the feasibility of using deep learning models (DLMs) for autonomous subsurface defect detection in bridge decks using IE has been investigated. A set of eight laboratory-made reinforced concrete bridge specimens with artificial defects were constructed at the Federal Highway Administration Advanced Sensing Technology NDE laboratory. A total number of 2016 of IE data was collected from these specimens. A one-dimensional (1D) convolutional neural network (CNN), and a 1D recurrent neural network using bidirectional long-short term memory units, were developed and applied on the IE data. In addition, two-dimensional (2D) world renowned CNNs were applied on the 2D representatives of the IE data, i.e., spectrograms. The proposed 1D CNN was the most accurate model achieving an overall accuracy of 0.88 by classifying 0.70 of the defects and 0.95 of the sound regions correctly. The proposed 1DCNN was superior to previous machine learning models that were previously used for IE classification. The results of this study showed the feasibility and the potentials of the DLMs for subsurface defect detection. | Sattar Dorafshan, Hoda Azari |
| 11/10/20 | November 2020 | Review of Ultra-High Performance Concrete and Its Application in Bridge Engineering | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/review-of-ultra-high-performance-concrete-and-its-application-in-bridge-engineering/ | Bridge decks, Bridge engineering, bridge piers, Durability, Girders, Mechanical properties, Strength of materials, ultra high performance concrete | Due to the superior mechanical properties and durability, the ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has been widely used for the design of various types of structures, while research on its performance has been rapidly growing in the last five years. While the application of UHPC in bridge engineering is limited due to its higher cost, relatively little is known about the mechanical behavior of UHPC in different bridge components. In order to inform future research needs, this paper provides a comprehensive review of the properties of UHPC and its application in bridge engineering. Applications in various bridge components, such as the piers, girders, decks, and link slabs used for jointless bridges have been summarized. This review also discusses future research on optimized UHPC mix designs considering economic cost and its applications in both jointed and jointless bridges. | Junqing Xue, Bruno Briseghella, Fuyun Huang, Camillo Nuti, Habib Tabatabai, Baochun Chen |
| 12/01/19 | December 2019 | Experimental Study on the Effect of Hot Climate on the Performance of Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/experimental-study-on-the-effect-of-hot-climate-on-the-performance-of-roller-compacted-concrete-pavement/ | Absorption, capillary water, Climate, Compressive strength, hot weather, Hydration, Mechanical properties, Roller compacted concrete pavements, Tensile strength | The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of hot climate on the performance of roller-compacted concrete which is used for pavement. Mixes were placed in different environments in order to simulate the local climate conditions. Large-scale test has been carried out to assess the mechanical strength development in function of curing mode, temperature treatment and silica fume addition. Compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, shrinkage, and capillary absorption of water were evaluated according to the program tests. The main results showed that an increase in temperature (over 40°) affects negatively the physical and mechanical properties due to malformation of hydration products, while cure methods showed a higher efficiency of the improvement in such properties. However, it should be noted that the wet cure method gave the best results as it provides appropriate and effective conditions to the hydration process. Regarding the effect of silica fume addition, even an improvement in the compressive strength was confirmed; however, it has a negative impact on the shrinkage. | Moussa Deghfel, Abdelaziz Meddah, Miloud Beddar, Mohamed Aziz Chikouche |
| February 2020 | Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Alkali-Activated Slag–Red Mud Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/thermo-mechanical-properties-of-alkali-activated-slag-red-mud-concrete/ | Alkali aggregate reactions, bauxite, Concrete pavements, Drying, Mechanical properties, Shrinkage, Slag, specific heat, thermal conductivity, waste management | This study conducts an experimental programme to investigate the possibility of utilising a binary combination of red mud (RM) and slag in the form of alkali-activated slag-RM (AASR) as a useful material for application in jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP). Slag was replaced with RM at levels of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% by weight, and the mechanical, thermal, and dimensional stability properties of the mixtures were measured at various ages. The results show that mechanical strength was reduced with increasing RM. Samples of AASR concrete with 30% RM had the best thermal properties with increases in thermal conductivity and specific heat of 9% and 5%, respectively, over those of neat alkali-activated slag (AAS) concrete. The drying shrinkage of AASR is high and samples with 30% RM had the highest drying shrinkage values of 1.90 and 3.95 times those of neat AAS and ordinary portland cement (OPC) concretes, respectively. | A. Bayat, A. Hassani, O. Azami | |
| 09/01/19 | September 2019 | Performance of Bridge Deck Overlays in Virginia: Phase II: Service Life Performance | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/performance-of-bridge-deck-overlays-in-virginia-phase-ii-service-life-performance/ | Bridge decks, Concrete overlays, Data collection, Durability, Epoxides, Latex modified concrete, Multiple regression analysis, Rehabilitation (Maintenance), Service life | Overlaying bridge decks has remained one of the best rehabilitation methods to extend their service life, and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has been a leader in the use of bridge deck overlays. Although VDOT has extensive experience in overlays, the long-term performance of overlays has not been entirely understood. One of the biggest challenges for studying the performance of overlays is that only minimal information is available in bridge inventory and inspection records. This limits any scientific assessment of this system. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to provide a strong framework for the understanding of the long-term performance of overlays and the factors affecting them. This Phase II report reports on an extensive data collection process that led to the development of a robust database of 133 overlaid bridge decks after verification of historical inspection reports, verification of as-built plans and communication with VDOT district bridge engineers. This helped in developing a model for understanding the amount of time it takes for bridge decks to require the first major rehabilitation and the major factors influencing the durability. A database of information about overlays that were replaced at the end of their functional service life was compiled. This helped develop a multiple regression model for understanding the factors that affected the durability of overlays. Survival analyses were conducted to estimate the service life of overlays and corresponding risk. As a preventive method, epoxy concrete (EC) overlays were predicted to serve an average of 20.9 years, with 18 to 22 years at a 95 percent confidence level. As a rehabilitative method, rigid concrete overlays were predicted to serve an average of 25.9 years, with 21 to 32 years at a 95 percent confidence level. The recent trend of preferred overlay types has been identified as EC and very-early-strength latex-modified concrete (VELMC) overlays. EC overlays have proven to be one of the better performing overlays through extensive VDOT experience. VELMC overlays are an improvement upon latex-modified concrete overlays by vastly reducing the time of construction and thus become more suitable for decreased construction time, reduced traffic disruption, and lessened worker exposure to the field environment. An important discovery was the identification of the influence of the degree of deck damage prior to overlaying on the service life of overlays. Preventive EC overlays should be used in a preventive sense, as the name suggests. If preventive EC overlays are installed on bridge decks with spalls, patches, or delaminations, irrespective of the amount of damage, an increased rate of deterioration in the overlays is likely to follow. The future performance of rehabilitative overlays such as latex-modified concrete, silica fume, and VELMC overlays will not be influenced by the presence of bridge deck damage prior to overlaying. This might be because of the removal of deteriorated concrete before these rigid overlays are constructed. This emphasizes the importance of proper removal of poor quality concrete from bridge decks before overlaying during rehabilitation. | Soundar S.G. Balakumaran, Ph.D., P.E., and Richard E. Weyers, Ph.D., P.E |
| 12/31/23 | December 2023 | Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Overlays for Bridge Structures | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/fiber-reinforced-concrete-overlays-for-bridge-structures/ | Bridge decks, Corrosion, Cracking, Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC), Overlays (Pavements), Permeability, Ride quality, Thickness | Rigid overlays measuring 1.5 to 2 inches are placed on bridge decks to improve the ride quality and lower the permeability of the concrete over the reinforcement. Low permeability concretes resist the penetration of water and harmful solutions into concrete. On the other hand, cracks in concrete can facilitate the intrusion of solutions. Chloride solutions induce corrosion of reinforcement, which is the leading distress in bridge decks. Corrosion products cause cracking and spalling of the concrete above the reinforcement and in later stages can cause failure of the reinforcing bars. Rigid overlays are prone to cracking if proper placement and curing procedures are not followed. Cracks in decks can reflect through the overlays. Rigid low-permeability overlays with synthetic or steel fibers can be placed on bridge decks that will control cracking and resist intrusion of solutions into concrete. These fiber reinforced concretes can enable overlay thicknesses less than 1 inch. Lower thickness can reduce dead load, reduce materials cost, and contribute to sustainability. | Celik Ozyildirim, Mary Sharifi |
| 10/31/23 | October 2023 | Mass Concrete Mixtures Optimized For Temperature Control and Workability | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/mass-concrete-mixtures-optimized-for-temperature-control-and-workability/ | High strength concrete, Mass concrete, Optimization, temperature control (structures), thermal stresses, Virginia Department of Transportation, Workability | Mass concrete elements are usually heavily reinforced and subject to large thermal change as the concrete cures. The definition of mass concrete is generally based on the minimum dimension of the element, but is more complicated because of the many factors involved. High heat retention in mass concrete causes differential and high temperatures that can result in detrimental cracks. In some applications of mass concrete, high strengths or early strengths are needed, requiring increases in cementitious material contents beyond the usual low amount of cementitious materials needed in mass concrete to keep the temperature from rising too high during cement hydration. Typically, concretes with regular consistency measured by slump test are used in mass concrete elements. However, congestion of the reinforcement in the element combined typically with geometric and placement constraints require concretes with high flow rates, as in self-consolidating concrete (SCC). Such concretes generally have high cementitious material contents for flowability and stability. There is a conflict in the amount of cementitious materials between mass concrete which requires low cementitious contents to control temperature rise and the use of high cementitious contents for early or high strengths and high workability. The cementitious material contents include supplementary cementitious materials, fly ash, and slag cement, for durability and to reduce portland cement contents for temperature control. The objective of this study is to investigate and optimize mass concrete mixtures with regards to temperature control and high workability. Also, the definition of mass concrete will be refined in ways that are helpful to Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in taking precautions to avoid problems that can arise during placement and curing. | Celik Ozyildirim, Shabbir Hossain, Mary Sharifi |
| 08/31/23 | August 2023 | Use of Sand Lightweight Concrete and All Lightweight Concrete to Improve Properties | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/use-of-sand-lightweight-concrete-and-all-lightweight-concrete-to-improve-properties/ | Bridge construction, Cracking, Density, Fibers, lightweight concrete, Mix design, Modulus of elasticity, Optimization, sand, Shrinkage, Thermal expansion | Lightweight concrete (LWC) mixtures are made with lightweight coarse aggregate and normal weight sand — herein referred to as Sand LWC — or have both coarse and fine aggregate that are lightweight, herein referred to as All LWC. Using these lightweight aggregates as ingredients for concrete can enable a variation in the design density for structural elements varying between a practical maximum of about 105 lb/ft3 for All LWC and a maximum of 120 lb/ft3 for Sand LWC, which will be investigated in this study to determine the optimum proportions. The reduced density compared to normal weight aggregates enables a reduction in dead weight enabling longer spans, more slender columns, and fewer piers in structures, or larger precast elements for accelerated bridge construction (ABC). Either type of LWC also has reduced cracking potential because of internal curing, lower elastic modulus, and lower thermal coefficient of expansion. These benefits enable improved curing, and minimize shrinkage and thermal stresses resulting in less cracking and improved durability. This study will also investigate fibers in LWC to further control cracking. LWC can be used in patch repairs, piers, footings, decks, overlays, and other elements where reducing weight or avoiding cracking is desirable. The purpose of this study is to optimize mixture proportions for Sand LWC and All LWC to enable consistent low density, good workability, and reduced cracking potential. Tests will be conducted to determine the density, modulus of elasticity, coefficient of thermal expansion, shrinkage, and the curing efficiency. | Celik Ozyildirim, Harikrishnan Nair, Mary Sharifi |
| 09/30/22 | September 2022 | Repair or Strengthening of Bridge Decks with Partial-Depth Precast Deck Panels | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/repair-or-strengthening-of-bridge-decks-with-partial-depth-precast-deck-panels/ | Bridge decks, Delamination | This research will provide methods to economically repair or strengthen structurally delaminated decks built using partial-depth precast concrete deck panels with minimal interruption of traffic. The primary objective of this UDOT research project is to develop and recommend a strengthening and repair method to re-laminate the precast concrete panel and cast-in-place (CIP) deck, ensure composite behavior through mechanical connections, or strengthen the panel such that bridge deck delamination does not pose a safety risk. Secondary objectives of this research project are to provide guidelines for repair/strengthening methods and develop a set of draft working drawings and draft specifications. | David Stevens, Chris Pantelides |
| 02/28/23 | February 2023 | Investigation and Assessment of Effective Patching Materials for Concrete Bridge Decks | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/investigation-and-assessment-of-effective-patching-materials-for-concrete-bridge-decks/ | Bridge decks, Patching | Patching of deteriorated portions of concrete bridge decks is an important repair activity that has to be conducted in a timely manner to maintain the serviceability and extend the longevity of these vital links in our transportation infrastructure. Currently, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) specifies the use of ready-mix concrete (plant-produced) for bridge-deck patching. Alternative rapid set patching materials that are amenable to on-site batching and mixing with excellent bond characteristics and accelerated cure rates are desirable. The objectives of the research are to: (1) develop of a curated set of alternate repair materials; (2) develop a process of rapid investigation techniques through non-destructive testing to identify the cause and extent of deterioration in the bridge deck; and (3) develop guidelines, based on the above, to appropriately select suitable repair methods and materials. | Prasada Rangaraju |
| 12/31/23 | December 2023 | Alternative High Early Strength Concrete (HESC) Structural Overlays | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/alternative-high-early-strength-concrete-hesc-structural-overlays/ | Bridge decks, High early strength cement, High strength concrete, Overlays (Pavements), Specifications | The objective of this research project is to identify the obstacles or impediments to successfully and reliably using high early strength concrete (HESC) for structural bridge deck overlays on Oregon bridges and to develop the standards, specifications, processes, and practices necessary to using them on Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) bridges. | Matthew Mabey, Jason Ideker |
| 12/01/22 | December 2022 | Analysis of Mitigating Concrete Cracks with Bacteria | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/analysis-of-mitigating-concrete-cracks-with-bacteria/ | bacteria, calcites, Concrete bridges, Cost effectiveness, Costs, Cracking of concrete pavements, Feasibility analysis, Freeze thaw durability, Maintenance, Mix design, Service life, Strength of materials | Incorporating bacteria into concrete has been proposed as a method of mitigating the negative impacts of concrete cracking, and may also lead to increased strength and durability through calcium carbonate precipitation and porosity reductions by the bacteria. This study aimed to increase understanding of the use of microorganisms in concrete by investigating: performance of axenic and environmentally-derived bacteria cultures to increase resiliency of bacteria for use in upscaled use in concrete systems; effects of curing method and exposure to hot and cold temperatures and salts; and performance of bacteria in a pilot scale pavement application. In this work, B. subtilis was used as an axenic strain and a non-axenic bacterial system was produced from Columbus, Ohio soil. The effects of pH, growth time, incubation temperature, and nutrient solution concentration were compared with their effectiveness in generating dense bacterial cultures capable of biomineralization. Changes in compressive strength, electrical resistivity, sorptivity, and drying shrinkage in paste, mortar, and concrete samples incorporating bacteria were compared to controls. Varying curing regimes (ponding of the samples and daily spraying) were evaluated for their ability to induce biomineralization and crack healing. The effect of environmental factors including cold and hot weather temperatures, and exposure to deicing salt solution were evaluated. Numbers of living bacterial cells were tracked across all samples to link numbers of cells with changes in performance. The results demonstrate that bacteria are capable of healing cracks <0.3mm in width, and non-axenic bacterial cultures can be used to promote biomineralization and crack healing. Existing concrete mixture designs using portland cement and fly ash can be used with bacterial solutions. Calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement can also be used, and provided a better environment for preserving living bacterial cells within the paste over time. CSA showed slightly better improvements to microstructure and crack healing over time compared to OPC mixtures. A lightweight aggregate must be incorporated into mortar and concrete mixtures, replacing a portion (~10%) of the fine aggregate, in order to protect the bacteria during the initial mixing process. Nutrient solution provided to the bacteria to induce biomineralization and heal cracks should be applied through spraying in order to generate the best crack healing potential. Exposure to hot and cold temperatures and salt solutions resulted in bacterial cell death and reduced the crack healing potential of the bacteria. Finally, simple life-cycle evaluations indicated only minor improvements in service life, although the evaluation method used could not account for cracking healing effects. Production and use of bacteria approximately doubled the cost of concrete during the initial construction period. | Lisa Burris, Natalie Hull, Zeynep Basaran Bundur, Cansu Acarturk, Judith Straathof, Yijing Liu, Ilgin Sandalci |
| 02/01/22 | February 2022 | Durability of Concrete Produced with an Alternative Supplementary Cementitious Material | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/durability-of-concrete-produced-with-an-alternative-supplementary-cementitious-material/ | Alkali silica reactions, Cement, Concrete, Durability, Fly ash, Literature reviews, Mix design, Pozzolan | New Mexico contains several aggregate sources that are extremely susceptible to alkali-silica reaction (ASR). To mediate ASR, the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) requires a minimum of 20% class F fly ash (by mass of cement) in nearly all concrete produced for their projects. However, class F fly ash has become difficult for concrete producers to procure, and future availability is uncertain. Consequently, NMDOT is considering adopting alternative supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) that could be used in place of class F fly ash. The purpose of this research project is to assess one of the alternative SCMs being considered for potential acceptance by NMDOT. The SCM to be studied is a natural pozzolan mined from a pumicite deposit near Espanola, NM. Natural pozzolans are a class of siliceous or siliceous and aluminous materials that possess little or no cementitious value by themselves, but can react chemically with calcium hydroxide and water at ordinary temperatures to form compounds possessing cementitious properties that can improve concrete strength and durability. NMDOT has little data for mixture proportions and durability properties of concrete produced with this material, so they are not able to confidently accept the material for use in concrete produced for NMDOT projects, even if class F fly ash is not available. This research project consists of a comprehensive literature review to identify the most important properties and characteristics of SCMs, and especially natural pozzolans, in terms of their influence on concrete durability. For the experimental work to be conducted in this study, a suite of concrete mixtures, similar to currently accepted NMDOT mixtures, will be proportioned using the natural pozzolan to replace different percentages of fly ash. Concrete produced from these mixtures will be tested for slump, air content, compressive strength, and flexural strength to ensure that the mixtures provide adequate workability and strength. Then, the durability of the concrete mixtures will be tested by assessing their chloride permeability, resistance to freezing and thawing, susceptibility to ASR, and their shrinkage characteristics. Results from mixtures containing the natural pozzolan will be compared to control mixtures produced using NMDOT concrete mixtures containing only class F fly ash. The implementation phase of the project includes documenting and disseminating the results of the research. Dissemination of the results will include the final report for the project, publication of journal papers, publication of conference papers, and presentations at conferences. The New Mexico State University (NMSU) research team is led by the PI, Professor Craig Newtson, who has over 20 years of concrete related research experience on projects totaling more than $2,300,000 in funding. The team also includes Associate Professor Brad Weldon as a Co-PI. Dr. Weldon has supervised more than $1,300,000 in funded research projects and has received national recognition for his research. | Craig Newtson |
| 12/31/21 | December 2021 | Zero Speed Profiler Assessment for Pavement Smoothness and Continuous Pavement Texture Measurements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/zero-speed-profiler-assessment-for-pavement-smoothness-and-continuous-pavement-texture-measurements/ | Continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRC pavements), Highway bridges, Pavement distress, Pavement maintenance, Preservation, Rehabilitation (Maintenance), Skid resistance, Smoothness, Specifications, speed, State of the art, Texture, Urban highways | The primary goal of this proposal is to evaluate a state of the art technology in roadway profiling called Zero Speed Profiling. Conceptually developed under NCHRP Project 10-93, “Measuring, Characterizing, and Reporting Pavement Roughness of Low-Speed and Urban Roads,” this research study will evaluate the methodologies and concepts proposed in NCHRP 10-93 on New Jersey pavements and bridges. It is anticipated that with successful implementation, the Zero Speed Profiler will provide a better assessment of the current pavement profile when compared to the High Speed Profiler. A more realistic and comprehensive pavement surface assessment will result in better decisions regarding how to preserve or rehabilitate the pavement. The first implementation task to be proposed will be presentations of research findings to the NJDOT, NJ State asphalt industry and federal agency members (FAA and FHWA). The second Implementation task proposed will be a workshop consisting of how the Zero Speed Profiler and its respective capabilities can be beneficial to local, state, and federal agencies required to monitor highways. Lastly, based on the availability of the interested agencies, it will be recommended that the technologies be introduced through pilot projects to create a real-world scenario where the Zero Speed Profiler can be utilized and the proposed specification be evaluated thoroughly prior to full implementation. | Sue Gresavage, Patrick Szary, Michael Boxer, John Hencken |
| 02/25/20 | February 2020 | Examination of a Geocomposite Joint Drain | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/examination-of-a-geocomposite-joint-drain/ | Composite materials, Drainage, Joints (Engineering), Loads, Pavement design, Pavement performance | Inadequate subsurface drainage tremendously impacts pavement performance. Pavement foundation models in various degrees of superposition and complexity including the Winkler foundation model idealized as a dense liquid, the two-parameter Vlaslov model and the three-parameter Kerr foundation model are indispensable idealizations in the mechanistic-empirical design processes. These design idealizations of foundation types are confounded by undrained or poorly drained subsurface conditions of erodible base and subgrade materials associated cracking, faulting, and accelerated degradation of surface ride quality. In concrete pavements, in particular inadequately drained bases have caused surface joint-spalling, mid-depth joint-cavitation-induced-scouring, and bottom trapezoidal-erosion of the concrete. In addressing this challenge, research examined characteristics of a geocomposite joint drain (GJD) as a subsurface drainage material. This research showed that the numerous benefits of geocomposite joint drain are not limited to lateral stability under load, lateral transmissivity as well as ease of construction and reduction in overall pavement structural thickness. | Bernard Igbafen Izevbekhai |
| 02/25/20 | February 2020 | Effect of Geogrid Stabilization on Performance of Granular Base Course over Weak Subgrade | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/effect-of-geogrid-stabilization-on-performance-of-granular-base-course-over-weak-subgrade/ | Base course (Pavements), Deformation, deformation curve, Geogrids, Geosynthetics, Granular materials, Pavement design, Pavement performance, Subgrade (Pavements) | For years, geosynthetics have been placed at the interface between the granular base course and the weak subgrade of pavement sections to provide stabilization. Geosynthetics may provide physical stabilization (i.e., separation), mechanical stabilization (lateral restraint), and reinforcement (tensioned membrane effect). For pavement design, allowable deformation is typically limited to 13 mm or less, so only separation and lateral restraint are mobilized in the pavement section. Although geosynthetics provide marked improvements in soil stabilization and pavement performance, a single approach to account for these improvements by separation and lateral restraint has not been well established. Various geosynthetics allow for different design considerations in varying climatic and load-intensity situations. This study focuses on geogrids but uses non-stabilized sections as control sections. Products were selected from a state department of transportation pre-approved materials list in order to remove bias in selection and to mimic the potential selection process in practice. Geosynthetics were installed at the interface of 250 mm of vibratory-compacted granular base course and weak subgrade in large-scale box tests. Cyclic loading was applied at eleven load intensities or until 25 mm maximum deformation was achieved. Permanent displacement at the surface of the base course and interface pressure beneath the geosynthetic (at the top of the subgrade) were recorded. Stress distribution angle and stress patterns at the bottom of the base course were observed. This paper discusses the effects of geogrid as a means of stabilization in terms of interface stress reduction as well as the ratio of permanent to resilient deformation. In this study, replacement of virgin aggregate with recycled concrete aggregate reduced the interface stress by 55%; addition of geogrid to both sections further reduced measured interface stresses. Addition of geogrid effected greater permanent deformation but a smaller incremental deformation in both VGB and RCA. The implications for pavement performance are also discussed. | Tanya N. Walkenbach, Jie Han, Robert L. Parsons, Zexia Li |
| 02/25/20 | February 2020 | Effect of Concrete Grinding Residue on Roadside Soil Properties | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/effect-of-concrete-grinding-residue-on-roadside-soil-properties/ | calcium, Chemical properties, Concrete pavements, Diamond grinding, electrical conductivity, Environmental impacts, Field studies, roadside, Waste products (Materials) | During diamond grinding operations for smoothing concrete pavement surfaces, water is used to cool the diamond blades. This water, combined with cutting residue, generates a high pH and high alkaline slurry byproduct referred to as concrete grinding residue (CGR). Although spreading CGR along roadsides is one of the most commonly used disposal methods, it is always of concern because of its potential effect on roadside soil properties. A field study was therefore conducted in 2016 on two roadside slopes beside Highway I-90 in Minnesota on which CGR slurries were offloaded in 2009 and 2013, respectively. The chemical properties of soils that received this CGR were measured and compared with those of adjacent soils that had not received CGR. The areas after receiving CGR slurry exhibited that pH reduced by 0.78 while electrical conductivity (EC) and calcium concentration increased by 0.48 ds m-1 and 97 mg kg-1, respectively. Because spreading of CGR did not cause any perceptible reduction in soil quality, CGR was not deemed to be of long-term concern with respect to roadside environments. | Bo Yang, Yang Zhang, Chenyl Luo, Bora Cetin, Halil Ceylan, Sunghwan Kim, Robert Horton |
| 06/30/20 | June 2020 | National Road Research Alliance (NRRA): Short-Term Research Projects | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/national-road-research-alliance-nrra-short-term-research-projects/ | Asphalt mixtures, Best practices, Bituminous overlays, Concrete overlays, Overlays (Pavements), sprays (materials) | There will be four short-term projects: a) Mix Rejuvenator Synthesis - the objective is to identify the types of asphalt mix rejuvenators available and their performance to date; b) Concrete Pavement Restoration (CPR) for Bonded Concrete Overlays of Asphalt - the objective is to develop and publish a synthesis of best practices being used by NRRA state members in repairing Bonded Concrete Overlays of Asphalt; c) Service Life Enhancement of Substrates Overlaid with Thin Overlays - the objective is to determine the service lives for the three non-structural overlays and deduce the service life enhancements that these non-structural overlays contribute to the identified flexible substrates on which the overlays were placed based on the pavement management data from the NRRA member states; d) NRRA Spray on Rejuvenator Synthesis - the objective is to document the field projects constructed to evaluate spray on rejuvenators by NRRA member states, National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT), NCHRP, Minnesota cities and counties, including recent research projects performed by Missouri DOT with Applied Research Associates, Inc. | Lisa Jansen |
| 06/30/21 | June 2021 | Incorporation of Joint Faulting Model into BCOA-ME | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/incorporation-of-joint-faulting-model-into-bcoa-me/ | Asphalt, Climate, Concrete overlays, Faulting, Web applications | Faulting of joints has been observed to be a common distress in Bonded Concrete Overlays on Asphalt (BCOA). However, faulting is not considered in any of the current design procedures for BCOA. Faulting is caused by pumping forces which remove supporting materials either at the bottom of the overlay slab within the asphalt layer or below the asphalt in the granular layer. This location is dictated by the depth of joint propagation. Current faulting design procedures, such as those incorporated into Pavement ME, were developed considering only jointed plain concrete pavements (JPCP). It is possible to use the current design software to predict joint faulting for full-lane width BCOAs, but it is calibrated with JPCP faulting data. JPCPs are typically thicker than BCOAs and have longer panel lengths. There are also a number of equivalency concepts employed in the Pavement ME to simplify the analysis, including equivalent thickness, equivalent temperature gradient, and equivalent slab that are not appropriate for BCOAs. Work is underway at the University of Pittsburgh to incorporate a faulting model into the BCOA-ME design procedure. That work is being funded by PennDOT and focuses on the impact of the climate in Pennsylvania. To adopt this for NRRA member states, a significantly larger range of climatic conditions must be consider. The proposed work will be performed so that the faulting model developed under the PennDOT project can be expanded to include climate stations in NRRA member states. | Julie Vandenbossche, John Donahue |
| 01/31/21 | January 2021 | Repair of Joint Associated Distress Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/repair-of-joint-associated-distress-pavements/ | Best practices, Concrete overlays, Concrete pavements, Pavement distress, technical reports | The objective of this project is to produce a short technical brief and webinar containing the best practices for the repair of distressed joints in concrete pavements and overlays, particularly those used in National Road Research Alliance (NRRA) member states. The tech brief will include causes for the distresses, as well as case histories of successful and non-successful repair methods. A one-hour webinar will also be developed, delivered, and recorded for future reference. | Peter Taylor |
| 07/31/22 | July 2022 | Internal Friction Angle of Sands with High Fines Content | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/internal-friction-angle-of-sands-with-high-fines-content/ | cohesion, cohesionless materials, Concrete, Fines (materials), Friction, Piles (Supports), sandy soils, steel | There are three main objectives of this study. The first is to evaluate the effect of fines content on the value of internal friction angle of sand soils mixed with fines typically encountered in Louisiana. The second objective is to evaluate the effect of fines content on the interface friction angle between sand soils mixed with fines and both concrete and steel surfaces. Lastly, the study will determine the threshold percent of fines content beyond which the sand soils mixed with fines will behave as cohesive soils, rather than cohesion less soils, and the effect on design of driven piles. | Zhongjie Zhang, Murad Abu-Farsakh |
| 02/01/22 | February 2022 | Evaluation of Alternative Sources of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) for Concrete Materials in Transportation Infrastructure | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-alternative-sources-of-supplementary-cementitious-materials-scms-for-concrete-materials-in-transportation-infrastructure/ | Cement, Clay, Concrete, Durability, Fly ash, Materials, Pozzolan | Concrete materials are present in almost all types of transportation infrastructure including roads, bridges, and airports. As such, concrete is an essential component of the transportation infrastructure. Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are a key ingredient of modern concrete. SCMs improves the durability (e.g., decreases permeability and help mitigate deleterious reactions) and mechanical properties of concrete and significantly reduces its carbon footprint by reducing the utilization of clinker. In recent years, the decline in coal-fired power generation in the U.S. jeopardizes the wide availability of fly ash for concrete production. Since fly ash is vastly the most utilized supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in the US, there is an urgent need to find alternative sources of SCMs that can provide with a portfolio of alternatives. As a response to the expected shortage of fly ash, the objective of this project is to evaluate the much-needed alternative sources of SCMs which can include unconventional sources of fly ash (i.e., landfilled and impounded fly ash), natural pozzolans, and calcined clays to provide with high-quality, cost-effective, and readily-available SCM alternatives for the future of concrete production in Region 6. | Momen Mousa, Gabriel Arce, Miladin Radovic, Zahid Hossain |
| 02/01/22 | February 2022 | Determination of the Optimal Parameters for Self-Healing Efficiency of Encapsulated Bacteria in Concrete in a Simulated Subtropical Climate | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/determination-of-the-optimal-parameters-for-self-healing-efficiency-of-encapsulated-bacteria-in-concrete-in-a-simulated-subtropical-climate/ | bacteria, Concrete, Durability, encapsulation, Repairing | The main objective of this research study is to optimize self-healing mechanisms of encapsulated bacteria in concrete, and to evaluate whether a higher bacteria cell concentration, better nutrient selection, or an alternative encapsulation method is needed. These parameters will be first tested in mortar beams with respect to self-healing efficiency, and depending on the results, further testing will be carried out in concrete specimens. The efficiency of the proposed bio-concrete will be tested to evaluate the bacteria’s effect on concrete’s intrinsic properties such as compressive strength and static modulus of elasticity, and monitor the self-healing efficiency through crack repair throughout 28 wet-dry cycles (consisting of 8 hours of water immersion and 16 hours of drying). If successful, this project will move to implementation through field-testing in Region 6, where it will help to preserve and enhance the performance of the concrete transportation infrastructure. | Momen Mousa |
| 02/15/22 | February 2022 | Durability of Rapid-Hardening-Cement Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/durability-of-rapid-hardening-cement-concrete/ | Durability, High early strength cement, Kansas Department of Transportation, Portland cement concrete | Certain high importance paving applications such on-ramps and intersections or maintenance operations such as full depth pavement repair benefit from the application of high early strength materials that require minimal lane down time by allowing traffic in a matter of hours. These concrete mixtures can be produced using Type III portland cement with accelerating admixtures, but concrete mixtures with other modern rapid hardening cement formulations are also likely to be suitable. Rapid hardening hydraulic cement is specified in the KDOT Standard Specification, Section 2009. Section 1716 specifies pre-packaged rapid hardening patching materials. Depending on the particular paving or repair operation being conducted, concrete mixtures may be required to achieve a minimum of 1,800 pounds per square inch (psi) in compressive strength or 380 psi in flexural strength before the road is opened to traffic, as listed in Section 833 of the Kansas Standard Specifications for State Road & Bridge Construction (KDOT 2015). These novel cements have varying chemical formulations and are governed by ASTM C1600. The rapid hardening cements are able to easily meet the strength requirements within a few hours however to date there has been little testing to evaluate the durability of ASTM C1600 cement concrete and the testing that has been performed shows mixed results with significant vulnerabilities for certain conditions. KDOT requires ASTM C666 testing for such mixtures with Durability Factor not less than 90% nor expansion greater than 0.1%. It is assumed that the same mechanisms that affect portland cement concrete freezing and thawing durability are also relevant for rapid setting cement concrete and similar techniques for combating these mechanisms will be effective. In particular, air entrainment, the use of otherwise durable aggregates, and low mixture permeability after drying are all expected to beneficially impact freeze-thaw durability. Given the mixed results in evaluating the durability of high early strength portland cement concrete, investigating the suitability of ASTM C1600 cement concrete for paving operations in Kansas appears well justified. Furthermore, with commercially available rapid hardening cement concrete in the Kansas City metro area, developing the technical basis to evaluate the expected durability of these materials for KDOT is required. In the KTRAN project KSU-17-2, the durability of representative high early strength mixtures was assessed by measuring freeze-thaw resistance according to KTMR-22 procedures. Interestingly, only one tested mixture achieved the KDOT required KTMR expansion threshold and only three of six passed the required relative dynamic modulus of elasticity threshold. While this supported the field based observations that high early strength mixtures are not durable, the research offers few solutions to help KDOT better specify concrete patching mixture requirements. Additionally, it was observed that the calcium chloride accelerator significantly confused the interpretation of resistivity based measurements for the concrete by “short-circuiting” the resistivity test. Finally, it was anecdotally observed that achieving repeatable air content values with these mixtures was very difficult. In the ongoing project, KSU-20-5, the durability of high early strength concrete mixtures with non-calcium chloride accelerators are being assessed. In addition, the inclusion of highly active pozzolons such as metakaolin, microsilica, and ultra-fine fly ash are being evaluated to further reduce the cement quantity and permeability of the resultant concrete. Internal curing via the use of saturated lightweight aggregates is also under evaluation. | Dan Wadley, Christopher Jones |
| 08/31/22 | August 2022 | SPR-4513: Determining Optimal Traffic Opening Time through Concrete Strength Monitoring – Wireless Sensing | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/spr-4513-determining-optimal-traffic-opening-time-through-concrete-strength-monitoring-wireless-sensing/ | Compressive strength, Concrete pavements, Construction scheduling, lane closure, Nondestructive tests (NDT), Optimization, Sensors, Stiffness, wireless communication systems | The research team has successfully developed and implemented a nondestructive testing (NDT) method using piezoelectric sensors to measure real-time concrete strength and stiffness. However, the current hardware and software are bulky and inconvenient for field implements. This project will develop a wireless sensor with hand-held devices or portable terminals, and associated graphic interface, to make devices easy for field implementation. | Na Lu |
| 11/30/22 | November 2022 | SPR-4526: Predictive Analytics for Quantifying the Long-Term Cost of Defects During Bridge Construction | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/spr-4526-predictive-analytics-for-quantifying-the-long-term-cost-of-defects-during-bridge-construction/ | Asset management, Bridge construction, Bridge decks, Concrete bridges, cost estimating, Costs, Defects, Inspection, Life cycle costing, Mathematical prediction | Inspecting bridges during construction and in service, and ensuring quality construction prior to acceptance and proper maintenance, are critical to the life-cycle performance of the structure. The goal of this project is to develop predictive analytics that would allow a more effective asset management. This approach will be demonstrated using concrete bridge decks as an illustrative example. The project will provide the knowledge and tools needed to estimate the costs associated with the consequences of defects occurring during construction (i.e., substandard quality), and weigh those against cost and expected performance of additional measures that can be taken to reduce such defects (e.g., improved inspection procedures). | Shirley Dyke, Julio Ramirez |
| 12/20/20 | December 2020 | Bridge Decks: Mitigation of Cracking and Increased Durability—Materials Solution (Phase III) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/bridge-decks-mitigation-of-cracking-and-increased-durability-materials-solution-phase-iii/ | Admixtures, Bridge decks, Cracking, Durability, Lightweight aggregates, Mix design, Shrinkage, Slump test, Water cement ratio | Type K cement offers a lower slump than conventional concrete, even at a higher water-to-cement ratio. Therefore, a suitable chemical admixture should be added to the Type K concrete mix design at a feasible dosage to achieve and retain target slump. In this project, a compatibility study was performed for Type K concrete with commercially available water-reducing and air-entraining admixtures. Slump and air content losses were measured over a period of 60 minutes after mixing and a particular mid-range water-reducing admixture was found to retain slump effectively. Furthermore, no significant difference in admixture interaction between conventional and Type K concrete was observed. Another concern regarding the use of Type K concrete is that its higher water-to-cement ratio can potentially lead to higher permeability and durability issues. This study also explored the effectiveness of presoaked lightweight aggregates in providing extra water for Type K hydration without increasing the water-to-cement ratio. Permeability of concrete was measured to validate that the use of presoaked lightweight aggregates can lower water adsorption in Type K concrete, enhancing its durability. Extensive data analysis was performed to link the small-scale material test results with a structural test performed at Saint Louis University. A consistent relation was established in most cases, validating the effectiveness of both testing methods in understanding the performance of proposed shrinkage-mitigation strategies. Stress analysis was performed to rank the mitigation strategies. Type K incorporation is reported to be the most effective method for shrinkage-related crack mitigation among the mixes tested in this study. The second-best choice is the use of Type K in combination with either presoaked lightweight aggregates or shrinkage-reducing admixtures. All mitigation strategies tested in this work were proved to be significantly better than using no mitigation strategy. | Robin Deb, Paramita Mondal, Ardavan Ardeshirilajimi |
| 12/10/20 | December 2020 | Bridge Decks: Mitigation of Cracking and Increased Durability—Phase III | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/bridge-decks-mitigation-of-cracking-and-increased-durability-phase-iii/ | Admixtures, Bridge decks, Cracking, deformation curve, Durability, Expansion, Finite element method, gypsum, Lightweight aggregates, Mix design, prototype tests, Shrinkage | Early-age cracking in concrete decks significantly reduces the service life of bridges. This report discusses the application of various concrete mixtures that include potential early mitigation ingredients. Large-scale (7 ft × 10 ft) experimental bridge prototypes with similar restraint conditions found in actual bridges were poured with different concrete mixtures to investigate mitigation techniques. Portland cement (control), expansive Type K cement, internally cured lightweight aggregate (LWA), shrinkage-reducing admixture (SRA), and gypsum mineral were investigated as mitigating ingredients. Seven concrete mixtures were prepared by using individual ingredients as well as a combination of different ingredients. The idea behind combining different mitigating techniques was to accumulate the combined benefit from individual mitigating materials. The combined Type K cement and LWA mixture showed higher concrete expansion compared with mixtures containing portland cement, Type K cement, LWA, and SRA in the large-scale experimental deck. Extra water provided by LWA significantly enhanced the performance of Type K cement’s initial expansion as well as caused larger total shrinkage over the drying period. A combination of Type K cement and gypsum mineral showed insignificantly higher expansion compared with the individual Type K mixture. Overall, the experimental deck containing SRA showed the least total shrinkage compared with other mixtures. Finite-element modeling was performed to evaluate and predict concrete stress-strain behavior due to shrinkage in typical bridges. A parametric study using finite-element analysis was conducted by altering the structure of the experimental deck. More restraint from internal reinforcement, less girder spacing, larger girder flange width, and more restrictive support conditions increased the concrete tensile stress and led to potential cracking in the concrete deck. | Mohammad Rahman, Ahmed Ibrahim, Riyadh Hindi |
| 04/29/19 | April 2019 | Effect of Joint Spacing and Pavement Thickness on Concrete Overlay Performance | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/effect-of-joint-spacing-and-pavement-thickness-on-concrete-overlay-performance/ | AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design (software), Concrete overlays, Durability, international roughness index, Maintenance, pavement condition index, Pavement maintenance, Pavement performance, rehabilitation, Service life | Concrete overlays provide cost-effective maintenance and rehabilitation strategies for pavement systems. A database has been developed in Iowa that records the historical performance of overlays based on records of international roughness index (IRI) and pavement condition index (PCI) over a 20-year period. Based on these data concrete overlay service life has been modeled for various joint spacings. The data demonstrate that durability and service life can be improved. A review of PCI data indicates that improving construction quality to eliminate premature failure has the potential to add at least 10 years to the service life of PCC overlays. Even though concrete overlay technology is not a new concept, most of its design procedures still follow empirical methods; therefore, this study applied AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design (Version 2.3.1) software to identify the effects of design para ms on concrete overlay service life. The theoretical insights provided by Pavement ME Design were compared with historical performance data and used to provide recommendations with respect to optimized joint spacing in overlay pavement structures. Comparison of the historical performance-related data with Pavement ME Design software results indicates that the Pavement ME Design software is conservative in predicting concrete overlay service life. | Yu-An Chen, Peter C. Taylor, Halil Ceylan, Sunghwan Kim, Xuhao Wang |
| 08/25/23 | August 2023 | Recommendations for Future Specifications to Ensure Durable Next Generation Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/recommendations-for-future-specifications-to-ensure-durable-next-generation-concrete/ | Best practices, Durability, Georgia Department of Transportation, Guidelines, high performance concrete, Performance based specifications, Performance tests, Test procedures | The objectives of this research effort include: (1) to provide a review of current “best practices” for the development and implementation of performance-based specifications (PBS) for concrete for transportation projects, (2) to review available performance test methods and criteria for performance, relevant to environmental conditions and traffic patterns in the state, (3) to quantify savings to the state comparing prescriptive and performance specification, and (4) to generate guidelines for incorporating PBS as an option in Sections 430, 439, and 500. | Sarah Lamothe, Kimberly Kurtis |
| 02/20/22 | February 2022 | Recommendations for Nondestructive Testing (NDT) of Concrete Components for Performance-Based Specifications | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/recommendations-for-nondestructive-testing-ndt-of-concrete-components-for-performance-based-specifications/ | Concrete tests, Nondestructive tests (NDT), Performance based specifications, Physical properties, physics, Recommendations, Test procedures, Transportation departments, Validation | The proposed research will document the availability and the use of concrete nondestructive testing (NDT) tools by transportation agencies; study the critical concrete material properties and suitable acceptance criteria for performance-based concrete material specifications; understand the underlying physics and sensitivity of candidate NDT tools; and validate the most promising NDT tools. The objectives of the proposed research are to: (1) Document available concrete NDT tools and their use by transportation agencies; (2) Establish critical concrete material properties and suitable acceptance criteria for performance-based concrete material specifications; (3) Understand the underlying physics, reliability, and sensitivity of candidate NDT tools; and (4) Validate the most promising NDT tools to demonstrate overall effectiveness. | Sarah Lamothe, Laurence J. Jacobs |
| 08/18/23 | August 2023 | Recommendations for Extension in Service Life of ASR-Affected Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/recommendations-for-extension-in-service-life-of-asr-affected-concrete/ | Alkali silica reactions, Best practices, Concrete, Condition surveys, Recommendations, Repairing, Service life | The objectives of this research effort include: (1) providing a review of current technology and “best practices” for extending the service of alkali–silica reaction (ASR)-affected concrete, (2) developing approaches for assessing condition state in potentially ASR-affected concrete and determining potential for further reaction and damage, and (3) developing combined material and structural repair strategies to extend the service life of ASR-affected concrete. The effective assessment and repair techniques for extending the service life of ASR-affected concrete, will be presented in Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Specification/Special Provision format. | Supriya Kamatkar, Kimberly Kurtis |
| 10/14/22 | October 2022 | Quality Assurance (QA) Aspects of Performance-Related Specifications (PRS) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/quality-assurance-qa-aspects-of-performance-related-specifications-prs/ | Fatigue (Mechanics), Laboratory tests, Mix design, Pavement performance, Performance based specifications, quality assurance, Rutting, Software | The objective of this research is to develop guidance to integrate the performance predictive capabilities of the PASSFlexTM software and its suite of tools (FlexPAVETM version 2.0, FlexMATTM, and FlexMIXTM) within a statistically sound QA system in a PRS framework. The research shall address: (a) the use of the cyclic fatigue Sapp and SSR allowable traffic for rutting (ATR) index test parameters, index thresholds, and acceptance limits in support of performance engineered mixture design (PEMD) approaches and to facilitate further implementation of the tests and performance predictions, (b) material selection and mixture design changes that can impact the test results (cyclic fatigue, SSR, and their index parameters) and trends associated with owner agency specified performance thresholds, and (c) the major elements of a QA system (per TRB E-Circular 235, Glossary of Transportation Construction Quality Assurance Terms, http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/circulars/ec235.pdf) and associated buyer/seller and payment risks. | Edward Harrigan, Randy West |
| 11/23/20 | November 2020 | Long-Term Pavement Performance Data Analysis Program: Effect of Dowel Misalignment on Concrete Pavement Performance | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/long-term-pavement-performance-data-analysis-program-effect-of-dowel-misalignment-on-concrete-pavement-performance/ | Concrete pavements, Cracking, Data analysis, Dowels (Fasteners), Pavement joints, Pavement performance, Spalling, Statistical analysis, Tomography | Magnetic imaging tomography (MIT) scanning is a nondestructive method for measuring the alignment of dowels placed at transverse joints of jointed plain concrete pavements (JPCPs). Several highway agencies across the United States have adopted specifications for dowel alignment, with many using the joint score measure. However, this measure was developed intuitively and not based on any laboratory or field tests. National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 637 provides a methodology to determine an equivalent dowel diameter measure based on dowel misalignment (Khazanovich et al. 2009). This procedure was developed from laboratory tests and with limited field validation. The relationship between dowel misalignment and the performance of JPCP is unclear, but understanding it is imperative for developing construction guidelines. This report presents results of MIT scanning data collected on Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) test sections and data analysis to assess the effects of dowel misalignment on JPCP performance. As part of this study, MIT scanning was performed on 121 Specific Pavement Studies-2 and 3 General Pavement Studies-3 test sections. Dowel alignment parameters, joint score, and equivalent dowel diameter were calculated as part of the analysis. Statistical analysis was performed to determine any relationship between the joint score and cracking and between the joint score and spalling. The analysis did not indicate any definitive relationship between the joint score and cracking or the joint score and spalling within the analysis range for most States, although some effect was observed for three States. This lack of relationship does not mean severely misaligned dowels have no effect on pavement performance, particularly localized distresses. Analysis of the equivalent dowel diameter as a measure of dowel misalignment for use with AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design software suggests that using the equivalent dowel diameter is a less-biased estimator of long-term load-transfer efficiency (LTE), as modeled using AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design, than using the actual dowel diameter, suggesting a relationship between dowel misalignment and long-term LTE (AASHTO 2014). However, there is considerable scatter in the LTE modeled using AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design versus actual LTE. The remaining bias and scatter suggests that the models (i.e., equivalent dowel diameter and LTE in AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design) could potentially be improved using data collected as part of this study. | Shreenath Rao, Lax Premkumar |
| 09/01/19 | September 2019 | Design and Performance of Mixes for Use as Ultra-Thin Overlay | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/design-and-performance-of-mixes-for-use-as-ultra-thin-overlay/ | Aggregate gradation, Asphalt concrete pavements, Asphalt mixtures, bituminous binders, Overlays (Pavements), Pavement maintenance, Pavement performance, Performance tests, Thickness | Friction loss is one of the most critical issues faced by agencies responsible for maintaining and preserving pavement structures. Various methods are used for surface treatments, including seal coats, slurry seals, and ultra-thin asphalt concrete overlays. Ultra-thin overlays have increased in popularity due to their lack of noise and improved ride quality, as well as their reduced overall cost due to the reduced layer thickness. This study had two major objectives: (1) to determine the best aggregate structure for use as an ultrathin overlay; and (2) to evaluate the volumetric-based criterion that is currently used to determine the optimum binder content for mixes used in ultrathin overlays. The performance of different mix types was evaluated using laboratory techniques including the traditional and modified Hamburg wheel tracking method and the three-wheel polishing device. Of the six potential gradations or aggregate structures that could be used as an ultrathin overlay, three were found to be suitable based on the performance tests. The optimum binder content, as defined by the volumetric criterion, was also generally the optimum based on performance tests conducted in the laboratory. | Ramez Hajj, Angelo Filonzi, Andre Smit, Amit Bhasin |
| 12/01/18 | December 2018 | Experimental and Numerical Assessment of the Behavior of Geogrid-Reinforced Concrete and Its Application in Concrete Overlays | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/experimental-and-numerical-assessment-of-the-behavior-of-geogrid-reinforced-concrete-and-its-application-in-concrete-overlays/ | Adina (computer program), Concrete overlays, Finite element method, Geogrids, Mechanics, Portland cement concrete, Reinforced concrete | Limited research exists on the benefits of using geogrids to reinforce portland cement concrete structural and nonstructural members. Concrete pavement overlay is one application in which the use of geogrids can potentially enhance performance and in which the use of reinforcing steel bars is subject to various constraints and limitations. Preliminary research findings have shown that the inclusion of geogrids in portland cement concrete leads to a definitive improvement in postcracking behavior in terms of ductility, load capacity, and crack propagation control. Through a rigorous experimental program, this study aimed to verify and further enhance the current knowledge regarding the behavior of geogrid-reinforced concrete (GRC) elements compared to that of plain concrete and steel-reinforced elements. The findings were used in characterizing the behavior of GRC and applying it to a finite-element model developed using ADINA software. The model was then used to predict the behavior of a geogrid-reinforced concrete overlay and compare it to that of a conventional plain concrete overlay over a given flexible pavement structure. | Zaher Al Basiouni Al Masri, Anas Daou, Rana Haj Chhade, Ghassan Chehab |
| 11/01/20 | November 2020 | International Perspective on UHPC in Bridge Engineering | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/international-perspective-on-uhpc-in-bridge-engineering/ | Bridge engineering, Cement, Durability, Service life, Ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) | Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) offers significant potential to address a variety of needs in bridge design, construction, and performance enhancement. Bridge owners have shown willingness to embrace novel solutions that could address specific challenges related to the cost, speed of construction, durability, and service life of their projects. There are hundreds of bridges worldwide that, largely in the past decade, have utilized UHPC. These applications range from minor field-cast closures to precast segments for long-span bridges to kilometer-long bridge deck overlays on a signature structure. The objective of this paper is to promote the application of this class of cementitious material in bridge engineering by presenting the progress that has been made in different regions of the world in the past two decades. Today, UHPC is being widely used in Malaysia to design and construct many bridges of different types and spans as they build out their roadway network. In South Korea, the unique characteristics of UHPC are being utilized to advance the state-of-the-art in long-span bridges. The French were early adopters and pioneers in building a strong foundation for using UHPC in a variety of bridge applications. In Switzerland, UHPC is employed to address major bridge rehabilitation needs. The United States bridge sector has embraced UHPC for a variety of field-cast connections. Current research and development efforts are promoting the use of UHPC in major rehabilitation projects and construction of primary bridge components. The adoption of UHPC solutions into the bridge sector is progressing rapidly because of the unique opportunities provided by the strength and durability of the material. It is expected that additional innovations and refinements of solutions will occur as knowledge of the material proliferates. | Benjamin Graybeal, Eugen Brühwiler, Byung-Suk Kim, François Toutlemonde, Yen Lei Voo, Arash Zaghi |
| 12/01/20 | December 2020 | Bridge Deck Replacement of Posttensioned Concrete Box-Girder Bridges | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/bridge-deck-replacement-of-posttensioned-concrete-box-girder-bridges/ | box girder bridges, Bridge construction, Bridge decks, Bridge superstructures, lane closure, Posttensioning, Rehabilitation (Maintenance), work zones | This paper studies the feasibility of replacing damaged deck of posttensioned concrete box-girder bridges without the use of falsework to support the superstructure span. Parameters of the study included straight, curved, and skewed bridges, and simple versus multispan bridges. Deck replacement in posttensioned box-girder bridges requires special attention because the deck forms an integral part of the load-resisting mechanism and large precompression has been locked in by the posttensioning in the superstructure. The potential unfavorable stress reversals or redistribution during deck replacement should be carefully considered. In this study, practical options for lane closure and traffic rerouting were incorporated into the replacement strategies, and these options included temporal longitudinal and transverse replacements. Additionally, time-dependent properties for concrete and steel representatives of current construction practice were included in the finite-element model. Results indicated that full-depth deck replacement may be difficult and undesirable because the current AASHTO stress limits were violated in all four of the posttensioned box-girder bridges selected for the study. Additionally, the increase in permanent deflections through deck replacement was relatively large for these selected bridges, which is likely to result in degraded ride quality, safety, and poor drainage condition for the bridge. As a general trend, critical stresses at the top of the web and downward deflection of the girders were found to accumulate as the deteriorated deck was removed and a new deck cast. | Youyou Zhang, Y. H. Chai |
| 08/31/21 | August 2021 | Development of an Improved Protocol for Structural Evaluation of Dowel Load Transfer Systems for Concrete Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-an-improved-protocol-for-structural-evaluation-of-dowel-load-transfer-systems-for-concrete-pavements/ | concrete pavement; dowel bars; load transfer systems; structural evaluation | This report describes the development of a test protocol for evaluating the structural behavior of alternate dowel load transfer systems for concrete highway pavement. The conceptual development and physical verification of the test are described, along with recommendations for incorporating the test in specifications for highway paving dowels. The test is based on the load- deflection test that is included in Section 5 of AASHTO T 253-02, a double-shear test of single dowels, except that the new test uses a circular load at the slab corner (rather than a 4,000 lb distributed load) and is applied to dowel groups across 4 ft wide concrete pavement joints (simulating a wheel path) rather than to single dowels that cross 1 ft wide joints. In addition, the test includes provisions for an optional 50% overload test condition. Replicate tests were performed using standard 1.25 in. epoxy-coated steel dowels in the AASHTO T 253 test and the new test. Finite element data and test results were analyzed to develop recommended evaluation criteria for the new test that would be consistent with the original AASHTO T 253 test but applicable to multidowel systems rather than individual dowels. Adoption of this new test protocol will allow agencies to more easily evaluate and implement newer, more efficient, and more durable pavement dowel technologies with confidence. | Mark B. Snyder |
| 01/13/20 | January 2020 | Effect of Recycled Aggregate on the Properties of Road Base Materials | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/effect-of-recycled-aggregate-on-the-properties-of-road-base-materials/ | Aggregates, Base course (Pavements), Compressive strength, Moisture content, Recycled materials, Road materials | The utilization of recycled aggregates in civil engineering is an effective way to deal with construction waste and conserve natural resource. This paper presents a study on the effect of recycled aggregate obtained from waste concrete on the properties of road base materials. The gradations of both natural aggregate and recycled aggregate were designed according to the upper limit, median value, and lower limit of standard gradation, respectively. The natural aggregate was replaced by recycled aggregate with the replacement of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% by volume, respectively. The maximum dry density, optimal moisture content, unconfined compressive strength, and drying shrinkage were investigated for road base materials. It was shown that aggregate prepared with upper limit gradation exhibited the better optimal moisture content, while the road base material prepared with median gradation aggregate showed the best 7-day unconfined compressive strength. The optimal moisture content and the maximum dry density of road base material would be both increased with increasing the replacement level of recycled aggregate. Recycled aggregate can improve the 7-day unconfined compressive strength of the road base material within a certain replacement percent. | Hui Zhao, Wencui Yang, Yong Ge, Penghuan Liu, Dachuan Zhang |
| 02/10/19 | February 2019 | Roller-Compacted Concrete for Rapid Pavement Construction | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/roller-compacted-concrete-for-rapid-pavement-construction/ | Admixtures, Concrete pavements, High performance concrete (HPC), Laboratory tests, Mix design, Pavement maintenance, Paving, Paving materials, Roller compacted concrete | The main objective of this research was to develop high-performance Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) with enhanced solid skeleton to secure greater workability, mechanical properties, and frost durability. The study involved the development of a stepwise mixture design methodology to select aggregate proportioning and particle-size distribution of combined aggregates that can secure high packing density and lead to enhanced performance. RCC mixtures with high packing density of aggregate combination and suitable fresh and hardened properties were used to introduce air-entraining agent (AEA) at different dosages. The effect of binder content, AEA dosage, workability level, adjusted by varying the water-to-solid ratio, mixer type, and compaction energy on RCC performance was evaluated. | Kamal H. Khayat, Nicolas Ali Libre, Zemei Wu |
| 08/01/18 | August 2018 | Comparison of Performances of Structural Fibers and Development of a Specification for Using Them in Thin Concrete Overlays | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/comparison-of-performances-of-structural-fibers-and-development-of-a-specification-for-using-them-in-thin-concrete-overlays/ | Concrete overlays, Concrete pavements, Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC), Fibers, Flexural strength, Overlays (Pavements), Pavement joints, Pavement performance | Structural fibers improve the long-term performance of concrete pavements and overlays and potentially are useful to reduce the slab thickness. These fibers are available in different parent material compositions, stiffness, shapes, and aspect ratios. The main objective of this study was to characterize the post-crack flexural and joint performance of fiber reinforced concrete to develop a specification for the selection of structural fibers for concrete overlays and/or pavements. The study included a literature review, an online survey, and a large-scale laboratory testing. It was found that the majority (almost 94%) of the FRC overlays in this country were constructed with structural synthetic fibers, which provided equal or better performance than projects using the steel fibers. In the laboratory study, a total of 43 different mixes were prepared with 11 different types of fibers. Fiber dosage, stiffness, and geometry significantly influenced the residual strength ratio (RSR) and residual strength (RS). In general, embossed, twisted, and crimped fibers performed better on average than straight-flat synthetic fibers when the comparison was made in terms of RSR or RS. From the joint performance testing, it was found that fibers can greatly improve the performance of the pavement with respect to load transfer efficiency (LTE), differential displacement, and differential joint energy dissipation. The findings from this were used to recommend the target ranges post-crack flexural performance, and joint performance parameters. | Manik Barman, Bryce Hansen |
| 09/15/18 | September 2018 | A Comprehensive Framework for Life-Cycle Cost Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/a-comprehensive-framework-for-life-cycle-cost-assessment-of-reinforced-concrete-bridge-decks/ | Environmental impacts, Life-cycle Cost, Reinforced Concrete Concrete Bridge Decks | Various environmental and mechanical stressors cause deterioration of concrete bridge decks. Normal wear and tear, freeze and thaw cycles, and chloride penetration due to deicing salts can cause aggressive deterioration that usually requires frequent interventions during the life-cycle of the bridge. These interventions include deck maintenance and repairs (e.g., application of sealers or overlay placement) as well as bridge deck replacement. The quantification of the life-cycle cost of bridge decks considering maintenance and repair activities represents a significant challenge facing local and state transportation agencies. The proposed research will attempt to fill in the knowledge gaps in quantifying the indirect costs associated with bridge deck maintenance and their impact on the overall bridge life-cycle cost. The proposed project focuses on introducing an approach that: (a) characterizes the life-cycle maintenance needs and repair intervals associated with bridge decks constructed using various reinforcement alternatives in FHWA Region-6, (b) develops a systematic methodology for quantifying the impact of bridge maintenance on indirect life-cost including the effect of increased travel time, work zone crashes, operating cost, greenhouse gas emissions, and social losses, and (c) compares different steel reinforcement materials (e.g., regular, epoxy coated, galvanized, stainless steel, and MMFX) based on their long term performance and maintenance requirements. | Mohamed Soliman, Samir A Ahmed, Ligang Shen |
| 06/30/14 | June 2014 | Rapid Retrofit and Strengthening of Bridge Components | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/rapid-retrofit-and-strengthening-of-bridge-components/ | Carbon fibers, Highway bridges, Retrofitting, Strengthening (Maintenance) | The objective of this study is to (1) repair four bridges with high-performance carbon fiber materials developed at University of Kentucky; and (2) develop a guide and specifications for the use of this material. The advantage of the carbon fiber material is ease of application by a single worker and reduction in repair time, resulting in lower repair costs. | R. Graves |
| 11/30/20 | November 2020 | Application of Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Approach into RCC Pavement Thickness Design | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/application-of-mechanistic-empirical-pavement-design-approach-into-rcc-pavement-thickness-design/ | Axle loads, Construction, Construction management, Design, Highways, Mechanistic-empirical pavement design, Mix design, Pavement performance, Pavements, Roller compacted concrete pavements, Thickness | The objectives of this research are to investigate factors that may impact roller compacted concrete (RCC) pavement performance, including, but not limited to, construction practices, mix design proportioning, joint spacing, cracking mechanism and combined temperature and loading effects; quantify the impact of different axle load magnitude on RCC pavement damage in term of fatigue cracking and load equivalent factors; evaluate the cracking mechanism and joint performance of RCC pavement relative to the performance of thin (less than 8 inch thickness) RCC pavements over different stabilized base material; develop representative performance prediction curves suitable for use in an RCC thickness design procedure; and develop an M-E RCC pavement thickness design procedure for the LADOTD and compare the actual versus predicted RCC pavement performance using the developed design procedure. | Zhongjie Zhang, Zhong Wu |
| 05/01/18 | May 2018 | Evaluation of Dowel Bar Alignment and Effect on Long-Term Performance of Jointed Pavement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-dowel-bar-alignment-and-effect-on-long-term-performance-of-jointed-pavement/ | Alignment, Concrete pavements, Doweled joints (Pavements), Faulting, Load transfer, Pavement performance, Quality assurance (QA), Quality control (QC) | Recent concerns of misaligned dowel bars led to a technical assistance project to investigate the roadways in question using a MIT-SCAN-2 device borrowed from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The device worked extremely well, and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is considering its use in quality control and assurance. Dowel bar alignment has rarely been questioned in Louisiana due to the inability to check and because dowel related issues have not materialized, so new guidelines for dowel bar placement alignment and testing need to be developed. Such guidelines should consider the minimum alignment requirements to mitigate premature pavement failure due to load transfer or faulting because of the misaligned dowel bars. The objective of this research is to utilize the MIT-SCAN-2 as a non-destructive dowel bar alignment measuring device to determine the effect of dowel bar alignment and its effects on jointed concrete pavement performance. Five to seven jointed concrete pavements of each of these ages will be measured at 0-10 years, 10-20 years, and 20+ years of age to determine the effects of dowel bar misalignment on pavement performance indicators such as faulting and load transfer. | Tyson D Rupnow, Patrick Icenogle, Zachary Collier |
| 12/31/21 | December 2021 | Effects of Concrete Cure Time on Epoxy Overlay and Sealant Performance | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/effects-of-concrete-cure-time-on-epoxy-overlay-and-sealant-performance/ | Concrete, Concrete curing | MDOT currently waits 28 days after the placement of all concrete decks, rigid overlays, and patches on bridge decks before placing epoxy overlays and sealants. Often this extended period conflicts with traffic and weather limitations. With more information on the crack development and moisture release characteristics of MDOT standard concrete materials (Grade D, DM, SFMC, LMC, etc.) and special/patching mixtures MDOT could potentially reduce the time required between placements. | Upul Attanayake |
| 05/31/22 | May 2022 | Evaluation of MDOT’s Long-Life Pilot Projects | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-mdots-long-life-pilot-projects/ | Evaluation and assessment, hot mix asphalt, Improvements, Pavement design, Paving, Perpetual Pavements, Pilot studies, Service life, Specifications | As a result of Public Act 175 of 2015 and the Roads Innovation Task Force (RITF) Report, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) committed to designing and constructing four long-life pavements using hot mix asphalt (HMA) and concrete. The four different long-life pavements are as follows: 30-year HMA on US-131 in the Grand Region, 30-year concrete on I-69 in the Bay Region, 50-year HMA on I-475 in the Bay Region, and a 50-year concrete on US-131 in the Grand Region. In 2017, the first of these pilot projects was constructed (30-year HMA on US-131). In 2018, three more will be let with two being built in 2018 and one in 2019. Several changes were made to standard designs and materials to increase the design life. These include increased structural support (increased layer thicknesses, etc.), improved material selection (HMA binder selection, etc.), improved construction specifications (lower initial ride requirements, etc.), and improved design aspects (increased drainage freeboard, etc.). Before further long-life projects can be planned, an assessment of the potential of the four pilot projects for meeting their intended design and services lives (50 and 75 years) should be performed. An evaluation of the effectiveness of all improvements will help transportation investments on future designs result in longer pavement life. | |
| 07/31/18 | July 2018 | Use of Internal Curing Materials to Improve Performance of Concrete Infrastructure | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/use-of-internal-curing-materials-to-improve-performance-of-concrete-infrastructure/ | Concrete, Internal curing, Rheology | The project presented in this report seeks to develop a proper methodology to use saturated lightweight sand (LWS) to improve the performance and prolong the service life of concrete mixtures. High-performance concrete (HPC) approved by MoDOT was used for the baseline mixture and was modified with different types and contents of saturated LWS used for internal curing. This was done to evaluate the optimum dosage of LWSs and maximize their effectiveness on enhancing performance. | Kamal H. Khayat, Weina Meng, Mahdi Valipour, Matthew Hopkins |
| 06/30/22 | June 2022 | Fiber Reinforced Concrete for Bridge Decks and Overlays | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/fiber-reinforced-concrete-for-bridge-decks-and-overlays/ | Bridge decks, Decision making, fiber reinforced concrete, Overlays (Pavements), Performance measurements | Overlay history suggests that cracking, curling, lack of ductility, and fatigue are common and collective failure modes of concrete overlays, all of which are positive contribution areas for fiber reinforcement. Improved resistance to crack propagation, controlled thermal and moisture stresses, increased elasticity, higher tensile, flexural, and fatigue strengths, and greater impact and abrasion resistance are some improvements in concrete performance that are generally achieved with the use of fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) compared to normal concrete overlays. Therefore, there is a need to (1) establish a systematic and functional process that can guarantee the success of the FRC overlay application, (2) develop performance criteria for acceptability, (3) establish defined protocols for agencies to be able to evaluate a product that is submitted for approval, and (4) identify methodologies that facilitate the decision-making process. | Richard Kaczkowski |
| 05/01/21 | May 2021 | Mitigation of Corrosion in Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/mitigation-of-corrosion-in-continuously-reinforced-concrete-pavement/ | Before and after studies, Continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRC pavements), Corrosion, Corrosion protection, Cracking, Electron microscopy, Field tests, Laboratory tests | An evaluation of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) was conducted in order to determine the extent of possible corrosion of CRCP on selected interstates in South Dakota. General observations showed there were sections of severe and localized reinforcement corrosion at some crack locations. Crack mapping, chloride tests profiles, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses, and half-cell potential measurements were conducted in the field. Half-cell potential measurements and crack density were investigated for correlations to corrosion. Results showed there was a significant positive correlation between elevated half-cell potential measurements and crack density. Topically applied corrosion mitigation products were applied at test section CRCPs. Field testing consisted of evaluating the change in half-cell potential of the reinforcement before and after the corrosion mitigation products were applied to sections of an interstate highway. Laboratory testing consisted of casting reinforced concrete specimens that used mix designs similar to the pavements evaluated in the field. The half-cell potentials for each specimen were monitored during the duration of the research project. Four of the laboratory specimens were also tested using chloride ion analysis and SEM techniques. | Allen Jones, Nadim Wehbe, Stephanie (Peters) Klay, Shaun Massen |
| 04/01/20 | April 2020 | Application of Internal Curing to Improve Concrete Bridge Deck Performance | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/application-of-internal-curing-to-improve-concrete-bridge-deck-performance/ | Benefits, Best practices, Bridge decks, Concrete bridges, Concrete curing, Cost effectiveness, Cracking, Feasibility analysis, Pavement performance | Due to the relatively high cement content and low water-to-cement ratio (w/c) used, bridge deck concrete is more prone to early age cracking. As shown in Figure 1 bridge deck cracking and deterioration, coupled with the application of deicing chemicals during winter operations have been a primary concern. Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) has employed mitigating reactionary strategies such as crack sealing and overlay to address early age deck cracking. However, these strategies are costly and have impacts on traffic operations. NDOT would clearly benefit if concrete decks are free from premature cracking associated with initial construction. The overall goal of this study is to identify a cost-effective practice for internal curing of bridge deck concrete for NDOT. To achieve the goal, three specific objectives of this study are to: (1) summarize the best practice of internal curing concrete for bridge deck application through an extensive literature review and survey; (2) determine appropriate source and addition rate of LWFA for internal curing of Nebraska concrete bridge decks; and (3) evaluate the technical feasibility and benefits of internal curing for Nebraska bridge deck construction. | Arman Abdigaliyev, Yong-Rak Kim, Jiong Hu |
| 05/31/23 | May 2023 | Low-Cement Concrete Mixture for Bridge Decks and Rails | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/low-cement-concrete-mixture-for-bridge-decks-and-rails/ | Admixtures, Bridge decks, Cement content, Cracking of concrete pavements, Deterioration, Drying rate, Mix design, Shrinkage | Early-age cracking of concrete bridge decks and rails accelerates the penetration of water and chemicals into the concrete, which leads to reinforcement corrosion, delamination, and eventually spalling. This common deterioration problem results in shorter service life, road closures, and costly repairs/replacements. The early-age cracking of concrete decks and rails is primarily attributed to the drying shrinkage of restrained concrete immediately after construction. Concrete mixture design and curing procedure are key factors in reducing drying shrinkage and, consequently, early-age cracking. | Jong Hu, George Morcous |
| 05/15/22 | May 2022 | Durability of Low Carbon Concrete Mixtures | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/durability-of-low-carbon-concrete-mixtures/ | Admixtures, Carbon, Chloride content, Corrosion, Deicing chemicals, Life cycle analysis, Salts, Sustainable transportation | The primary goal of this proposal is to develop a deeper understanding of the relative performance of a wide array of low-carbon concrete systems in environments where the concrete will be subjected to chlorides and other deicing salts. This goal will be met through the following objectives: (1) understand the chloride diffusion rate in low-carbon concrete mixtures; (2) understand the relative resistance of various low-carbon concrete mixtures to salt scaling; and (3) develop life-cycle expectancy models for various low-carbon concrete mixtures. The intended outcome of the project is to present a systematic approach to examining the durability of a wide array of low-carbon concrete mixtures. The information gathered will be used to predict life expectancy of the concrete in regards to onset of corrosion and likelihood of significant scaling. | Matthew Adams, Matthew Bandelt |
| 04/30/22 | April 2022 | Comparative Analysis of Rapid Chloride Penetration Testing for Novel Reinforced Concrete Systems | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/comparative-analysis-of-rapid-chloride-penetration-testing-for-novel-reinforced-concrete-systems/ | Aggregates, Alternative analysis, Corrosion resistance, Durability tests, Recycled materials, Reinforced concrete | Transportation agencies have been rapidly deploying emerging concrete materials to improve the sustainability and durability of reinforced concrete infrastructure. This project will focus on the chloride penetration behavior of several novel concrete materials in comparison to baseline ordinary portland cement concrete mixtures that are representative of systems used in transportation agencies in the northeast region of the United States. The goal of this research study is to create an understanding of how novel concrete materials such as ductile concrete systems (e.g., UHPC, ECC, HyFRC) and recycled aggregate concrete behave in rapid chloride environments. The intended outcome of the project is to support transportation agencies in selecting and implementing novel concrete materials to improve durability of the transportation infrastructure. | Matthew Bandelt, Matthew Adams |
| 12/31/18 | December 2018 | Recycling and Reuse of Materials in Transportation Projects: Current Status and Potential Opportunities Including Evaluation of RCA Concrete Pavements along an Oklahoma Interstate Highway | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/recycling-and-reuse-of-materials-in-transportation-projects-current-status-and-potential-opportunities-including-evaluation-of-rca-concrete-pavements-along-an-oklahoma-interstate-highway/ | Aggregate mixtures, Concrete aggregates, Interstate highways, Pavement performance, Portland cement concrete, Reclaimed asphalt pavements, Recycled materials | Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) is committed to protect and enhance human and natural environment while developing a safe, economical, and effective transportation system. The first objective of this research was to evaluate the availability of the recycled materials and develop strategies for increasing use of recycled materials in ODOT transportation construction projects. In this objective, an extensive literature search was conducted to acquire information pertaining to properties, current practices, and available field investigations of the commonly used recycled materials. Use of recycled concrete aggregate in concrete paving mixtures (RCA-CPM) was determined to be the major focus in this research as applications of RCA-CPM by ODOT and other DOTs have been reported as a sustainable and durable construction practice. Subsequently, a review of the key findings pertaining to RCA material properties and effects of RCA on portland cement concrete pavement (PCCP) performance was performed. Additionally, a life cycle assessment addressing all the three aspects of sustainability (i.e., economic, social, and environmental) was performed to do a comparative assessment between RCA-PCCP and plain PCCP and project the benefits of using RCA-CPM. The second objective was to evaluate the long-term performance of existing PCCP made with RCA in Oklahoma. A jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) and a continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) section were selected and evaluated through various tests covering different aspects, which includes visual survey, determination of mechanical properties, petrographic examination, and evaluation of the existing base through falling weight deflectometer (FWD). From the lab and field studies, it was verified that good base support, strong load transfer, and shorter joint spacing are essential design considerations for JPCP made of RCA-PCC. CRCP using effective anti-corrosion measures might be more suitable for implementing RCA-PCC; CRCP could better protect the base from erosion caused by higher differential energy and help restrain high drying and thermal volume change of RCA-PCC. | Anol Mukhopadhyay, Xijun Shi, Dan G. Zollinger |
| 07/14/21 | July 2021 | Measuring Concrete Permeability with CHIP | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/measuring-concrete-permeability-with-chip/ | Concrete, Permeability, Service life, Test procedures, Tracers (Chemistry), X-ray analysis | This project is a follow-on study of a previous IDEA project (NCHRP-199) that developed a prototype device to determine the permeability of hardened concrete using X-rays to measure the penetration of a tracer. In this follow-on project, the current instrument stage will be improved to know the locations from previous scans and to allow investigation of many different sample orientations, saving operator time and making the device easier to use. Currently, a potassium iodide solution is used as a tracer but there are other tracers that might give similar results more rapidly. Presently, samples are ponded for 7 days for diffusion coefficient measurement. So the measurement time may be shortened by using a different tracer and/or storing samples at an elevated temperature to speed diffusion. Both possibilities will be explored. The previously software also needs to be made more user-friendly, as it uses several different programs to scan, analyze, and predict the service life of the concrete. It is cumbersome to change between then programs and often confusing to the user. The new software will also incorporate service life models that will use basic input information within already established models to predict the service life of the structure, based on the measured diffusion coefficient. Oklahoma, Minnesota, and Illinois DOTs are collaborating to provide concrete samples during mixture design and construction and also after concrete placement and curing. Measurement of these samples are expected to provide would allow important insights into how these different processes impact the concrete permeability. Work in Stage 2 will develop precision and bias statement as well as an AASHTO test method. The repeatability of a single as well as multiple users to better understand the variability of the developed device will be determined by comparing the results on 20+ samples by multiple users. A rough draft for an AASHTO test method will be prepared for the developed technique. The final report will provide all relevant data, methods, models, and conclusions along with guidance on using the system to measure the permeability of hardened concrete. | Tyler Ley |
| 11/10/21 | November 2021 | Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) Used as a High Friction Surface Treatment (HFST) on Pavements and Bridges | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/ultra-high-performance-concrete-uhpc-used-as-a-high-friction-surface-treatment-hfst-on-pavements-and-bridges/ | Bridge decks, Concrete, Friction, Pavement design, Surface friction (Geophysics), Ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) | High Friction Surface Treatment (HFST) has been a successful strategy for the SCDOT to restore and improve the frictional properties of pavement surfaces, which subsequently helps motorists maintain better control in both dry and wet driving conditions. HFST involves the application of a thin layer of very high-quality aggregate (imported calcined bauxite) to the pavement surface using a polymerized binder. The benefits of HFST have been well documented, however, the high cost renders its use to limited situations. Research is needed to investigate and validate the use of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) for HFST applications, which has the potential to employ locally produced materials and yield the benefits of HFST at a much reduced cost. The objective of this research is to review current HFST usage practices for pavements and bridges by DOTs around the country and explore the use of UHPC produced using local materials as a potential HFST that is economical and durable. The research will investigate the laboratory and field performance of local aggregates, the UHPC produced with the local aggregates, and then compare against the performance requirements of existing specifications for traditional HFST that require the imported calcined bauxite. The field performance evaluation component will comprise of a minimum of two projects that involve restoring frictional resistance on horizontal curves on pavement surfaces as well as on a bridge deck. Maintenance concerns as well as potential additional applications will be considered in the overall evaluation. | Meredith Heaps |
| 08/01/19 | August 2019 | Laboratory and Outdoor Exposure Site Evaluations of Portland Limestone Cements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/laboratory-and-outdoor-exposure-site-evaluations-of-portland-limestone-cements/ | ASR, Carbonation, Durability, Ettringite, Mechanical properties, PLC, Portland limestone cement, Sulfate attack | The research described in this report was funded by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), with an emphasis on portland limestone cements (PLCs) with higher limestone contents (e.g., greater than 15%), particularly in paving applications. The project was quite comprehensive and included the full-scale production of seven different cements at two Texas cement plants, with limestone contents as high as 30 percent. These cements were then evaluated in the laboratory and at outdoor exposure sites, studying a wide range of fresh, hardened, and durability properties of PLC concrete, including select mixtures in combination with supplementary cementing materials (SCMs) with limestone contents of up to 30% limestone, in selected combinations with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). The results show that PLCs can be produced that are constructible, durable, and sustainable, but a thorough understanding of PLCs and SCMs is needed to optimize the overall performance. More research and, particularly, more well-monitored, real-world applications of PLCs with higher limestone contents are needed to better correlate the results of laboratory tests to actual pavements or structures. | Jose E. Garcia, Nicolas B. Tuburzi, Kevin J. Folliard, Thano Drimalas, Michael D.A. Thomas |
| 08/31/20 | August 2020 | Establishment of Best Practices for Construction and Design of Cement Treated Materials | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/establishment-of-best-practices-for-construction-and-design-of-cement-treated-materials/ | Base course (Pavements), Cement treated soils, Failure, Laboratory tests, Mix design, Performance tests | Cementitious stabilization of granular soils has been proven to be an economically viable option for sustainable construction and rehabilitation of pavement structures. The absence of a harmonized and rapid turnaround laboratory mixture design procedure, coupled with construction and inspection guidelines that need improvement have resulted in an ongoing challenge for Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), contractors, and users of the transportation facilities. In addition, due to the lack of field data and practical laboratory tests in the past, the fatigue performance models in the Texas Mechanistic Empirical Flexible Pavement Design System (TxME) have never been verified nor calibrated. Therefore, the main objective of this study was twofold: provide an update to the current mixture design specification based on comprehensive laboratory testing and develop and calibrate a new generation of fatigue performance model that accounts for strength as well as shrinkage cracking potential of cement treated materials. To accomplish these objectives, current practices for mixture design and construction of cement treated base, subbase and subgrade soils were documented. This information then served as the basis for the selection of the type and sources of base aggregates and subgrade soils for inclusion in the experiment matrix of the project. Eight different aggregate base materials including multiple sources of limestone, siliceous gravel, reclaimed concrete aggregate, full depth reclamation materials, and reclaimed asphalt pavement, as well as seven different subgrade soils with unique characteristics were incorporated in this research effort. All permutations of the experimental design were prepared with different levels of stabilizer content to cover a wide spectrum of treatments from light stabilization to heavily stabilized systems. This research also provided two alternative moisture susceptibility procedures to quantify the loss of orthogonal strength properties of cement treated virgin and reclaimed materials due to moisture intrusion. More than 3,000 specimens, were prepared, and subjected to various mechanical and physio-chemical laboratory tests to characterize the strength, resilient properties, and permanent deformation potential, clay activity, moisture adsorption potential, as well as other properties of cement treated systems. Microstructural analysis of the cement treated specimen using X-ray computed tomography was instrumental to provide the basis for using the gyratory compactor in lieu of the traditional impact hammer for laboratory specimen preparation. The trend analysis of the laboratory results, statistical reliability and repeatability analysis, practicality of test methods, and operator friendliness were the contributing factors to draft the update to the cement treatment specification. In addition to the laboratory efforts, a new generation of fatigue performance models were developed and calibrated in this study. The model incorporated indirect diametrical tensile (IDT) strength and shrinkage strain to account for the cracking potential in the cement treated layer due to overly rigid matrices. A comprehensive database of pavement profiles and material properties were developed using field-based nondestructive testing such as Falling weight deflectometer, ground penetrating radar, and deployment of Portable WIN (P-WIM) for traffic characterization in this study. The database was instrumental for the calibration of a newly developed fatigue performance model for flexible pavement structures with cement treated layers. | Reza S Ashtiani, Mohammad Rashidi, Edgar Rodriguez, Margarita Ordaz, Hector Cruz Lopez, German Garay, Sergio Rocha, Jose Garibay |
| 09/01/20 | September 2020 | Evaluation of Long-Term Strength and Durability Properties of Prestressed Concrete Girders with Microcracking | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-long-term-strength-and-durability-properties-of-prestressed-concrete-girders-with-microcracking/ | Beams, Bridges, Concrete structures, Cracking, Durability, Fabrication, Mechanical properties, Precast concrete | The presence of unexplained surface microcracks in several in-service prestressed girders across Texas led to concerns of reduced service life due to loss in long-term strength and durability. This project was designed to estimate both this potential loss in service life and the likelihood of long-term strength and durability issues that might arise due to the presence of these microcracks. Measurements of crack width, strain, stiffness and resistivity were taken from full-scale in-service and overcast or rejected girders over two years. Cores were collected from the overcast girders for further laboratory investigation of cracking, strength, stiffness, and durability properties. While the girders exhibited an increase in cracking and shrinkage, they have not shown a significant loss in strength, stiffness, and durability due to the presence and temporal growth of the microcracks. Exposure to environment and presence of pre-existing cracks were major factors affecting the rate of increase in cracking, while external loading was not. This temporal data was used to generate an empirical model to estimate the remaining service life of the girders using non-destructive test measurements as input variables. The model had a regression coefficient and reliability index in the “Good” range, and an error of 359 days. Laboratory specimens were cast to determine a critical cracking index value of 18 mm/m (0.5755 in./yd). The empirical model under-predicted service life by 4–10 years for all girders when compared to Life-365®. As these girders are designed for a service life of 75 years, the present rate of growth in microcracking can reduce the service life of the in-service girders from 2 to 13 years depending on the girder and nature of cracking. Further reduction in service life is also possible under fatigue loading as the girders age. Thus, continuous monitoring of the girders, especially in the last two decades of the girders’ lives, is recommended. In addition, the behavior of these girders with surface microcracks under marine exposure was observed to determine the effect of the microcracks on chloride-induced corrosion. Exposure to the simulated marine environment led to the formation of microcracks in the low water-cement ratio concrete specimens. However, the presence of microcracks did not significantly impact corrosion potential in the timeframe of the study. A novel approach using guided ultrasonic waves and acoustic emission to monitor corrosion process in prestressing strands was explored, with encouraging results. Further research should explore the key parameters that can influence corrosion monitoring using guided ultrasonic waves and to determine the efficacy of using the guided wave ultrasonic method as part of the maintenance program. | Raissa Ferron, Salamone Salvatore, Savitha Srinivasan, Michael Rung, Brennan Dubuc, Arvin Ebrahimkhanlou |
| 03/01/21 | March 2021 | Assessment of Test Methods for New and Blended Materials | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/supplementary-cementitious-materials-assessment-of-test-methods-for-new-and-blended-materials/ | Admixtures, Blends, Cement, Chemical reactivity, Evaluation and assessment, Fly ash, Performance tests, Sulfates, Test procedures | In Texas, and most of the U.S., Class F fly ash is the most used supplementary cementitious material (SCM) due to the many benefits it provides to concrete. In recent years, the availability of Class F fly ash has decreased as many coal-fired power plants have shut down. Plants that have not shut down are required to install various emission control systems that can significantly alter the type of fly ash produced. As the face of fly ash production continues to change, the usability of non-traditional fly ashes and fly ash alternatives in concrete must be evaluated. As the number of new SCM sources rises to meet demand, rapid tests are necessary to screen out poor-performing materials and long-term performance testing is needed to qualify promising materials for use in concrete mixtures. In this study, both rapid SCM screening tests and long-term performance of non-traditional, blended fly ashes were examined. | Saif Al-Shmaisani, Ryan Kalina, Katelyn O’Quinn, Jae Kyeong Jang, Michael Rung, Raissa Ferron, Maria Juenger |
| 08/31/22 | August 2022 | Increase the Allowable Content of Recycled Crushed Concrete Fine Aggregate in Class P Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/increase-the-allowable-content-of-recycled-crushed-concrete-fine-aggregate-in-class-p-concrete/ | Aggregates by gradation, Crushed aggregates, Mix designs | The production of recycled crushed concrete coarse aggregate generates a substantial quantity of recycled crushed concrete fine aggregate, which is limited for use in Class P concrete. The current maximum allowable limit of 20% recycled crushed concrete fine aggregate is an arbitrary limit with little basis. This project will determine the limits of recycled crushed concrete fine aggregate that can be used in Class P concrete and still produce workable and durable concrete pavement. Researchers will conduct field trials with actual Class P mix designs with various recycled crushed concrete fine aggregates and conduct lab testing to validate mix designs developed, to include surface wear, carbonation, or durability testing, etc. | Kevin Folliard |
| 09/30/22 | September 2022 | Design of Fly Ash–Based Geopolymer Concrete-Filled FRP Tube Composite for Highly Durable and Environmentally Friendly Infrastructure | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/design-of-fly-ash-based-geopolymer-concrete-filled-frp-tube-composite-for-highly-durable-and-environmentally-friendly-infrastructure/ | Composite materials, Fiber reinforced polymers, Fly ash, Geopolymer concrete, Pavement design, Sustainable development, Tubing | Although fly ash-based geopolymer (FAGPR) binders have been increasingly explored for the last decade, there is still an urgent demand for high-performance FAGPR binder to meet the requirement of more durable and environmentally friendly infrastructure. It is also necessary to identify viable strategies to compensate for the lower early-age strength, short setting time, and less-than-ideal flowability of FAGPR, which are considered as the main drawbacks that hinder its widespread application. To this end, this proposed project will build on the team’s patented FAGPR technology and develop a novel tube/concrete composite, which features promising load-bearing capacity, durability performance, and damping properties. | Xianming Shi |
| 09/30/22 | September 2022 | Sustainable nHPC Mixtures for Durable Overlay of Concrete Bridge Decks in Cold Regions: Proof of Concept | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/sustainable-nhpc-mixtures-for-durable-overlay-of-concrete-bridge-decks-in-cold-regions-proof-of-concept/ | Bridge decks, Cement content, Concrete bases, Durability, Feasibility analysis, Frigid regions, Greenhouse gases, Mix design, Overlays (Pavements) Sustainable development, Ultra high performance concrete (UHPC), Workability | The higher cement content in UHPC increases the energy and CO₂ footprints, and the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to replace cement has been limited in the current design. Besides, the high compressive strength (> 150 MPa) of UHPC might be over-design for bridge deck overlay application. The combined use of very low w/b ratio (~ 0.2) and high dosage of fibers presents a great challenge for the construction of UHPC overlays in the field. In this context, the overarching goal of this project is to design sustainable nHPC mixtures for durable overlay of concrete bridge decks in cold regions through lowering initial cost of UHPC overlays and improving the workability and construction tolerance of UHPC for on-site application while maintaining dense microstructure and superior durability. The “n” before the HPC denotes for nano-engineering as well as the fact the durability of these mixtures will be a few times that of conventional UHPC. To achieve this goal, this study aims to: (1) identify and optimize eco-efficient mix designs for nHPC overlay, greatly reducing the use of cement, steel fiber and superplasticizer while tailoring the particle size gradation; (2) evaluate the engineering performance and durability of selected nHPC mixtures for cold-climate concrete deck overlay application; (3) enhance the thixotropy to ensure that fresh nHPC mix can hold the specified slope on the bridge deck; (4) conduct multiscale characterization of selected nHPC mixtures, to elucidate the role of individual constituents on the macroscopic behavior and performance. | Christopher Shearer |
| 06/30/22 | June 2022 | Development of Microcapsule-Based Self-Healing, High-Strength Engineered Cementitious Composites (SHHS-ECC) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-microcapsule-based-self-healing-high-strength-engineered-cementitious-composites-shhs-ecc/ | Cement, Composite materials, Durability, High strength materials, Hydration, Mix designs, Pavement cracking, Sustainable development, Tensile properties | The durability of high-strength engineered cementitious composites (HS-ECC) is severely challenged once cracks are formed in a HS-ECC structural member, especially for those exposed to harsh environments (e.g., laden with chloride or sulfates). In this context, the goal of this project is to design a self-healing HS-ECC by virtue of microcapsules encapsulating healing agent. The multi-scale self-healing ability of the HS-ECC will be achieved through the combined use of microcapsules and continuous hydration of cementitious materials, so as to maintain the superior durability of HS-ECC. To this end, this exploratory laboratory investigation aims to: (1) identify the mix designs of HS-ECC incorporating microcapsules, based on the micromechanics theory (2) evaluate the self-healing effectiveness of HS-ECC, in terms of restoration level of tensile and transport properties (3) study the effect of crack width and pre-cracking age on the self-healing efficiency of HS-ECC. | Xianming Shi |
| 06/30/22 | June 2022 | Develop an Innovative Self-Healing Concrete Technology for Bridge Deck Life Extension | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/develop-an-innovative-self-healing-concrete-technology-for-bridge-deck-life-extension/ | Bridge construction, Bridge decks, Concrete bridges, Fungi, Pilot studies, Repairing, Service life | The proposed research aims to conduct pilot study to develop a self-healing concrete technology that rapidly heal the cracks by use of microorganism fungi. Fungi is selected due to its capability to rapidly cover exposed surfaces of concrete cracks with its hyphae fiber. The recovery of mechanical properties will be achieved with fungi induced bio mineralization process, which glue the cracked surfaces together. Besides, the hydrophobic nature of the fungi fiber prevents water ingression and therefore mitigates the corrosion due to deicing salt. Fast and autogenous cracking healing of concrete will extend the service life of bridge decks and bring major cost and labor savings compared with conventional treatment procedures. | Robin Kline |
| 01/21/21 | January 2021 | Accelerated Construction of Urban Intersections with Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/accelerated-construction-of-urban-intersections-with-portland-cement-concrete-pavement-pccp/ | Concrete pavements; Intersections; Pavement maintenance; Portland cement concrete; Road Construction; Urban highways | The frequent maintenance required on asphalt concrete (AC) pavement sections has made reconstruction with Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) a feasible alternative. However, many constructability issues need to be addressed in order to realize the full potential of this alternative. The entire reconstruction of the intersection, including demolition of the AC pavement and its replacement with PCCP, took place over a period of three days, starting on Thursday evening and opening the intersection to the traffic on Sunday afternoon. | Kamran M Nemati, Jeff S Uhlmeyer |
| 06/30/22 | June 2022 | Durability of Transverse Sawcut Joints (Year 2) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/durability-of-transverse-sawcut-joints-year-2/ | Chlorides, Concrete pavements, Deterioration, Durability, Joint sealers, Sawed joints | This proposed project is comprised of an investigation into the role and extent that joint sealant effectiveness plays on the durability of sealed transverse sawcut joints in jointed concrete pavement that are subjected to deicing salts and freeze-thaw conditions. Specifically, this research will address the circumstances associated with the deterioration that occurs under the effect of oxychloride formation. | Dan Zollinger, Jenny Liu |
| 07/31/22 | July 2022 | Reducing Shrinkage Cracking in Bridge Decks Using the Single- and Double-Ring Test Methods | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/reducing-shrinkage-cracking-in-bridge-decks-using-the-single-and-double-ring-test-methods/ | Bridge decks, Concrete bridges, Cracking, Ring stress, Shrinkage, Test procedures | The condition of concrete on bridge decks is one of the most costly parts of Wyoming Department of Transportation's budget and the cost of maintenance can result in inadequate roads or costly premature repairs. This proposal evaluates critical factors relating to early age shrinkage and proposes combining multiple mitigation methods to reduce early-age cracking that contributes to early degradation. | Jennifer Tanner |
| 06/14/21 | June 2021 | Durability and Microstructure Studies on Slag-Fly Ash-Glass Powder Based Alkali-Activated Pavement Quality Concrete Mixes | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/durability-and-microstructure-studies-on-slag-fly-ash-glass-powder-based-alkali-activated-pavement-quality-concrete-mixes/ | Durability, GGBS, Glass powder, Microstructure, Pavement Quality Concrete, Strength | The present study attempts a detailed assessment of the performance of air-cured Alkali Activated Concrete (AAC) mixes produced using powdered waste glass as one of the ingredient, designed for highway applications. The study reveal that, the AAC mixes display satisfactory performance for normal working environments for their use in roadway appliances. | Shriram Marathe, I R Mithanthaya, Rahul Yekkar Shenoy |
| 06/30/22 | June 2022 | Interfacial Shear Transfer of Reinforced Concrete with High-Strength Materials | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/interfacial-shear-transfer-of-reinforced-concrete-with-high-strength-materials/ | Bridge design, High strength materials, Reinforced concrete bridges, Shear reinforcement | The shear friction design concept is applicable in conditions where direct shear must be transferred across a structural concrete plane or interface, such as an existing crack or an interface between dissimilar materials or concretes cast at different times (i.e., cold joint). Shear friction provisions are commonly used in the design of reinforced concrete and precast-prestressed concrete bridge elements and connections including corbels, dapped double tees, beam bearings, and diaphragms. These types of connections are critical because there is little or no redundancy, which makes them a critical part of the structure. This project will examine the applicability of current shear friction design approaches to concrete-to-concrete interfaces with high strength concrete and/or high strength steel, by means of assembling and evaluating a comprehensive database of test results collected from the literature, and to identify potential needs for revision to the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications. | Genda Chen, Lesley Sneed |
| 07/14/21 | July 2021 | Development of an Innovative Bio-Mediated Self-Healing Concrete Technology | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-an-innovative-bio-mediated-self-healing-concrete-technology/ | Admixtures, Concrete pavements, Durability, Fungi, Innovation, Life cycle costing, Mechanical loads, Pavement performance, Procedures, Service life, Standards | This project will develop and evaluate an innovative autogenously self-healing concrete technology based on bio-mineralization through fungi to improve the durability, service life, and performance of highway concrete. Work in Stage 1 will focus on developing fungi based self-healing agents for concrete mixture. The final report will provide all relevant data, methods,, and findings along with guidance on using the bio-mediated self-healing concrete technology. | Xiong Yu |
| 04/05/21 | April 2021 | Evaluation of Trigger Temperature for Concrete Pavement Growth Based on Joint Movement Data | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-trigger-temperature-for-concrete-pavement-growth-based-on-joint-movement-data/ | Blowups (Pavements), Buckling, Concrete pavements, Pavement joints, Temperature | The failure of concrete pavement as a result of pavement growth has become a serious concern as it causes blow-up distress and damages the adjoining structures, such as bridge abutments and decks. This further adversely impacts the road user, and the roads thus require costly maintenance and reparations. Pavement growth is caused by pressure generated from rising temperature and moisture content in the concrete pavement. The trigger temperature for pavement growth (TTPG) is the temperature at which all transverse cracks and contraction joints between the expansion joints begin contracting and generating an axial compressive force in the pavement section. This is a critical factor affecting pavement growth. However, the evaluation of TTPG has not been documented yet. TTPG is affected by the accumulation of concrete slab expansion resulting from the alkali-silica reaction, amount of incompressible material infiltrated in the joint or cracking. The rate of this accumulation depends on the environmental conditions, pavement age, pavement configuration, and pavement materials. Therefore, this study examines the factors affecting TTPG of in-service pavements, using the Long-Term Pavement Performance Seasonal Monitoring Program database. According to the results, TTPG is significantly affected by pavement age, precipitation, and joint spacing. The paper further presents an empirical equation to estimate the TTPG of concrete pavement under the given conditions based on the generalized linear modeling regression method. | Lyhour Chhay, Young Kyu Kim, Seung Woo Lee |
| 04/30/21 | April 2021 | Synthesis of Information Related to Highway Practices, Topic 53-07: Curing Practices for Concrete Pavement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/synthesis-of-information-related-to-highway-practices-topic-53-07-curing-practices-for-concrete-pavement/ | Concrete curing, Concrete pavements, Literature reviews, quality assurance, Quality control, State departments of transportation, State of the practice, Surveys | The curing of concrete is widely recognized as a critical step for achieving high-quality long-lasting concrete pavements. While the most common curing practice is the application of mem-brane-forming curing compounds, the compound specifications, including application rates and the quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) practice, differ among state departments of transportation (DOTs). The timing of the curing application—which is critical to the success of the curing process—also differs among state DOTs. State DOTs may also adopt additional curing measures during adverse weather conditions. The objective of this synthesis is to document state DOT practices for curing pavement concrete including procedures, materials, application rates, timing, QC/QA procedures, and specific measures adopted when paving under adverse weather conditions. Information will be gathered through a literature review, a survey of state DOTs, and follow-up interviews with selected agencies for the development of case examples. Information gaps and suggestions for research to address those gaps will be identified. | Jamshid Armaghani |
| 12/01/20 | December 2020 | Using an Ultra-Accelerated Test Method to Evaluate Aggregate and Cement Combinations to Use Recycled Concrete Aggregate in New Concrete Construction | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/using-an-ultra-accelerated-test-method-to-evaluate-aggregate-and-cement-combinations-to-use-recycled-concrete-aggregate-in-new-concrete-construction/ | Accelerated tests, Airport runways, Alkali silica reactions, Cement, Concrete aggregates, Concrete construction, Durability, Laboratory tests, Recycled materials, Test procedures | The Rocky Mountain Region has experienced considerable difficulty due to the presence of alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete construction. Several sources of aggregate that have produced poorly performing concrete have been removed from service. As an example, DIA runways were damaged by ASR and the repair cost exceeded 30 million. On a positive note, Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) was successful in using RCA on Interstate 1-80 and with limited ASR damage. In this portion of the road, WYDOT observed a 30 year service life. This performance, coupled with data from a previous study help confirm that using recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) combined with natural aggregates produces durable long-term concrete that will benefit the transportation network in this region. This study intends to provide experimental data that permits RCA to be used in applications beyond base fill for roads. | Jennifer Tanner, Md Tarik Hossain |
| 06/01/21 | June 2021 | Evaluation of Chemical Solutions to Concrete Durability Problems | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-chemical-solutions-to-concrete-durability-problems/ | Admixtures, Alkali silica reactions, Bridge decks, Corrosion resistant materials, Durability | The reinforced concrete infrastructure in Texas has been plagued by various durability-related issues over the years, including deterioration from alkali-silica reaction (ASR), delayed ettringite formation (DEF), and corrosion of reinforcing steel. For many of these durability problems, fly ash has been the remedy of choice; however, with changes in fly ash quality and quantity spurred by new emissions standards and changes in fuel sources, concern has arisen that fly ash may not be as available or effective in the future. Thus, there exists a need to evaluate other solutions to reinforced concrete durability problems besides the traditional use of fly ash. This need formed the basis for the research described in this report. A range of materials were tested, including corrosion inhibitors (calcium nitrite, calcium nitrate, others), ASR and/or DEF inhibitors (lithium nitrate), integral water repellants, nanoparticles (silica and dispersible calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H)), and gypsum as an additive to improve sulfate resistance of Class C fly ash. These materials were tested under a comprehensive laboratory testing program, with tests including heat of hydration, strength, electrical resistivity, corrosion potential, chloride diffusivity, sorptivity, and expansion (due to ASR, DEF, or sulfate attack). Corresponding field specimens were stored at three different outdoor sites in Texas and evaluated for ASR and/or DEF, as well as for corrosion potential (marine site). Lastly, the research team performed a forensic evaluation of a bridge deck in Amarillo, focusing on possible causes of cracking and remedies for future decks. Several products evaluated in this project showed some potential for improved durability and increased service lives for concrete infrastructure. Although there was no single product that was able to improve all durability aspects (like Class F fly ash), there may be opportunities for some of the products to be used in targeted applications to address specific durability requirements. | Bruno Fong-Martinez, Jeremy Wheeless, Thano Drimalas, Kevin Folliard |
| 11/30/21 | November 2021 | Alkali-Silica Reactivity (ASR) Risk Assessment and Mitigation in Tennessee | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/alkali-silica-reactivity-asr-risk-assessment-and-mitigation-in-tennessee/ | Aggregates, Alkali carbonate reactions, Alkali silica reactions, Concrete pavements, Pavement cracking, Risk assessment | Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is recognized as a major cause of concrete deterioration. Identifying the aggregate reactivity to ASR is one of the most efficient ways for preventing concrete cracking damage in practice. Many aggregates, especially the surface aggregates, used in Tennessee have a relatively high siliceous content (e.g. gravels, siliceous limestones, granites, and quartzite). Aggregates with ASR potential in Tennessee could have been used in the existing concrete structures and will be probably used even more in the future high-volume transportation projects. This report summarizes the findings of a two-phase research project to assess and mitigate the risk of Alkali-Aggregate Reaction (AAR) in the state of Tennessee. ASR reactivity of surface aggregates from 76 different local sources in Tennessee was evaluated in Phase I. Mitigation alternatives to minimize the ASR risk of reactive aggregates were proposed in Phase II. Category guideline on the ASR reactivity property of the aggregates within Tennessee has been developed. A statewide aggregate ASR risk database with detailed field and laboratory performance is presented which can be used to prevent ASR cracking damage of statewide transportation structures. | Ammar Abd-Elssamd, John Z Ma |
| 02/01/21 | February 2021 | Evaluation of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete for Use in Bridge Connections and Repair | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-ultra-high-performance-concrete-for-use-in-bridge-connections-and-repair/ | Bond strength (Materials), Bridge construction, Concrete bridges, Joints (Engineering), Repairing, Ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) | The project described in this report evaluated available proprietary ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) materials and UHPC mix designs made with local materials for applicability to bridge joint installation and repair in Oklahoma and developed recommendations for continued usage of UHPC in bridge construction in Oklahoma. Phase 1 of the project developed a promising UHPC mix design, J3,using local materials.Two specific applications of UHPC were considered: deck slab joints and girder continuity connections. Initial investigation of deck slab joint details was conducted using small-scale flexural specimens to evaluate bond strength between UHPC and base concrete. Laboratory-scale full-depth joints were cast and tested using both the proprietary UHPC material and the OU developed J3 mix design. Laboratory-scale UHPC connections for live load continuity between precast girders were also designed and tested to failure. Two different connection details were used, one representing new construction and one representing retrofit of an existing structure. Afield test involving retrofit of an existing expansion joint with UHPC joint headers was conducted on a bridge identified in conjunction with ODOT and was monitored for almost three years.Phase 2 involved slab testing for a partial depth slab joint detail, examination of reinforcement bond, and durability testing of both proprietary and non-proprietary UHPC. UHPC bond to concrete substrate was also examined for different surface preparations and base concrete saturation levels. The findings of the research indicate that UHPC provides improved performance relative to conventional materials for the applications tested and the J3 mix design exhibits similar performance to proprietary UHPC. | Royce W Floyd, Jeffery S Volz, Chandler K Funderburg, Amy S McDaniel, Trevor Looney, Jake Choate, Stephen Roswurm, Connor Casey, Raina Coleman, Maranda Leggs, Kim Serey Vuth Chea |
| 07/08/21 | July 2021 | Portland Cement Concrete Pavement Joint Sealant Practices and Performance | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/portland-cement-concrete-pavement-joint-sealant-practices-and-performance/ | Case studies, Concrete pavements, Construction management, Interviewing, Literature reviews, Pavement joints, Sealing compounds, State departments of transportation, State of the practice, Surveys | This report compiles and documents information regarding the current state of practice of joint sealing Portland cement concrete (PCC) by state departments of transportation. The objective of this synthesis is to document current practices with PCC pavement joint sealant in new construction and the maintenance protocols of existing joint sealants for PCC pavements. The synthesis documents use of PCC pavement joint sealants, types of materials used for these sealants, and construction methods. It also summarizes the use of data from AASHTO’s National Transportation Product Evaluation Program for PCC pavement joint sealant product approval, inspection and/or acceptance procedures, and evaluation of long-term product performance. Last, the report compiles issues surrounding PCC joint sealant usage or effectiveness, such as water presence or movement and noise contributions, and alternative methods being used in lieu of sealants. Information in this study was acquired through a review of the literature, a survey of representatives of state departments of transportation, and follow-up interviews that informed the development of six case examples regarding joint sealing practices for PCC pavements. | Jinho Kim, Dan G Zollinger |
| 05/01/20 | May 2020 | Performance-Based Specifications of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete with Adapted Rheology to Enhance Performance and Reduce Steel-Reinforcement in Structural Members | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/performance-based-specifications-of-fiber-reinforced-concrete-with-adapted-rheology-to-enhance-performance-and-reduce-steel-reinforcement-in-structural-members/ | Admixtures, Bridge construction, Corrosion resistance, Cracking, Durability, fiber reinforced concrete, Flexural strength, Performance based specifications, Shrinkage, Steel fibers, Structural analysis | The main objective of this research is to propose novel materials for the construction and retrofitting of bridges, including Economical Crack-Free High-Performance Concrete (Eco-Bridge-Crete, or EBC) and Fiber-Reinforced Super-Workable Concrete (FR-SWC). The project seeks to optimize the coupled effect of fiber characteristics, expansive agent (EA), saturated lightweight sand (LWS), and external moist curing on mechanical properties, shrinkage, and corrosion resistance of such classes of high-performance concrete. The project also aims to replace steel reinforcement in flexural members with steel fibers partially. In Task I, Eco-Bridge-Crete mixture design was optimized to reduce drying and restrained expansion and secure high mechanical properties. Eco-Bridge-Crete mixtures were optimized using various shrinkage mitigating strategies, including the use of different contents of CaO-based EA, LWS, and steel fibers as well as different moist curing conditions. The study revealed some synergistic effects among the EA, LWS, and fiber contents and external curing that led to lower shrinkage and restrained expansion and greater strength. The combined use of EA, along with LWS, was shown to reduce concrete conductivity and improve corrosion resistance. Overall, the use of synthetic fibers, EA along with LWS, increased moist curing duration, and concrete cover depth was identified as suitable strategies for improving the corrosion resistance of Eco-Bridge-Crete mixtures. In Task II, the structural performance of reinforced concrete beams cast with FR-SWC mixtures made with different fiber types and reinforcing steel densities was evaluated. The testing involved casting of beam elements with different steel reinforcement densities (0.4 to 0.8 in.² of steel area in the tension zone). | Kamal H Khayat |
| 01/15/21 | January 2021 | Evaluation of Premature Cracking in Urban Concrete Pavement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-premature-cracking-in-urban-concrete-pavement/ | Concrete pavements, JPCP, MIRA, Premature Cracking | This study investigated the causes for premature, transverse cracking on urban jointed plain concrete pavements in Illinois. A field survey of 67 sections throughout Illinois coupled with ultrasonic evaluation was completed to synthesize the extent of premature cracking on urban jointed plain concrete pavements (JPCP). The visual survey showed some transverse and longitudinal cracks were a result of improper slab geometry (excessive slab length and width). Ultrasonic tests over the contraction joints determined some notched joints had not activated and adjacent transverse cracks were likely formed as a result. Three-dimensional finite-element analyses confirmed that cracking would not develop as a result of normal environmental factors and slab-base frictional restraint. The concrete mixture also did not appear to be a contributing factor to the premature cracks. Finally, the lack of lubrication on dowel bars was determined to potentially be a primary mechanism that could restrain the transverse contraction joints, produce excessive tensile stresses in the slab, and cause premature transverse cracks to develop. | Jeffery Roesler, John DeSantis |
| 08/15/21 | August 2021 | Evaluation of Geosynthetics Use in Pavement Foundation Layers and Their Effects on Design Methods | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-geosynthetics-use-in-pavement-foundation-layers-and-their-effects-on-design-methods/ | Base course (Pavements), Geosynthetics, Pavement design, Specifications, Subgrade (Pavements) | This report presents findings of a research effort aimed at reviewing and updating existing Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) specifications and manuals regarding the use of geosynthetic materials in pavements. The project consisted of three tasks: evaluate current IDOT practice related to the use of geosynthetics; review research and state of the practice on geosynthetics applications, available products, design methods, and specifications; and propose recommendations for geosynthetic solutions in pavements to modernize IDOT’s practices and manuals. The review of IDOT specifications revealed that geotextiles are the most used geosynthetic product in Illinois, followed by geogrids. Several of IDOT’s manuals have comprehensive guidelines to properly design and construct pavements with geosynthetics, but several knowledge gaps and potential areas for modernization and adoption of new specifications still exist. Based on the review of the available design methods and the most relevant geosynthetic properties and characterization methods linked to field performance, several updates to IDOT’s practice were proposed. Areas of improvement are listed as follows. First, establish proper mechanisms for using geogrids, geocells, and geotextiles in subgrade restraint and base stabilization applications. This includes using shear wave transducers, i.e., bender elements, to quantify local stiffness enhancements and adopting the Giroud and Han design method for subgrade restraint applications. Second, update IDOT’s Subgrade Stability Manual to include property requirements for geogrids, geotextiles, and geocells suitable for subgrade restraint applications. Third, establish proper standards on stabilization, separation, and pumping resistance for geotextiles by incorporating recent research findings on geotextile clogging and permeability criteria. Fourth, promote the use of modern geosynthetic products, such as geotextiles with enhanced lateral drainage, and fifth, elaborate on proper methods for construction/quality control measures for pavements with geosynthetics. | Issam I A Qamhia, Erol Tutumluer |
| 09/01/20 | September 2020 | Development of IDOT’s Proposed Smoothness Specification Based on the International Roughness Index (IRI) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-idots-proposed-smoothness-specification-based-on-the-international-roughness-index/ | Benefit cost analysis, Comfort, Life cycle analysis, Service life, Smoothness, Specifications | The existing smoothness specification implemented by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) was based on profile-index measurement, which was also widely used by other agencies. There is a national and international trend, however, toward using the international roughness index (IRI) as a standard smoothness index for pavement management as well as construction acceptance. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to develop an IRI-based smoothness specification for IDOT. It was desired that IRI thresholds be developed objectively by quantifying the benefit of pavement smoothness. The benefits quantified within the framework of life cycle cost analysis and benefit-cost analysis generally revealed that smoother pavements are anticipated to exhibit increased service life, reduced life cycle cost (including agency and user costs), and improved safety. IRI is also a crucial component of user comfort, especially for high-speed facilities. IDOT’s new IRI-based specification was developed while considering these benefits along with the increased cost quantified as the incentive payments to be made for smoother pavements. In addition, several aspects of IRI thresholds and the smoothness assessment schedule were investigated for achievability and risk. Although the risk of moving from a profile-index-based specification to an IRI-based specification was found to be relatively low (i.e., 4.4% and 6.6% risk assessed for high-speed and low-speed facilities, respectively), it indicated that IDOT and IDOT’s contractors may need to work together to adapt to the new specification and continue to refine the IRI-based specification as more experience is gained. | Hyung S Lee, William Vavrik |
| 01/31/22 | January 2022 | Improved Resilience of Rigid Pavement Systems | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/improved-resilience-of-rigid-pavement-systems/ | Concrete, Resilience (Materials), Rigid pavement | This study will evaluate the impact that inundation may have on concrete pavements; it will identify cost-effective and implementable solutions to improve the resilience of new and existing rigid pavement systems subjected to the combined effects of flooding and sea level rise. | Hyung Lee |
| 11/01/20 | November 2020 | Durability Evaluation of Ternary Mix Designs for Extremely Aggressive Exposures (Phase II) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/durability-evaluation-of-ternary-mix-designs-for-extremely-aggressive-exposures-phase-ii/ | Cement, Chloride content, Concrete, Durability, Electrical resistivity, Laboratory tests, Mix design, Permeability, Test procedures, Validation | Concrete made with low transport properties can be very durable even in extremely aggressive environments. This study examined the ability of resistivity testing to determine transport properties for concrete containing ternary blends of portland cement with supplemental cementitious materials. The penetrability of the concrete was tested using rapid chloride migration, rapid chloride permeability, water absorption, water permeability, volume of permeable voids, surface resistivity, bulk resistivity, and bulk diffusion. These tests were performed between 28 and 365 days of age of concrete. Extracted pore solution resistivity was measured to calculate the concrete formation factor. Chloride binding measurements were used to calculate effective diffusion coefficients. Little benefit was seen in increasing the silica fume dosage above 6% in rapid chloride migration test (RCMT) and bulk resistivity tests. Resistivity samples cured in simulated pore solution (SPS) showed better correlations to secondary absorption rate and water permeability than fog-room-cured samples. Formation factor performed marginally better for SPS-cured samples against secondary absorption rate than bulk resistivity. Chloride ingress calculations performed using formation factor were shown to conservatively simulate measured profiles. Chloride ingress simulated using formation factor from moist-room-cured samples were shown to be closer to the measured profiles than samples cured in simulated pore solution. Measurements performed on samples collected from piles with 12 years of marine exposure validated the laboratory results. | Kyle A Riding, Christopher C Ferraro, Hossein Mosavi, Mohammed Hussein Alyami, Mohammed Almarshoud, Raid Alrashidi |
| 09/14/18 | September 2018 | Development of Improved Guidelines and Designs for Thin Whitetopping: Environmental Response of Full-Scale BCOA Sections | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-improved-guidelines-and-designs-for-thin-whitetopping-environmental-response-of-full-scale-bcoa-sections/ | Asphalt concrete, Asphalt pavements, Asphalt rubber, Concrete overlays, Data collection, High strength concrete, Materials tests, Mix design, Pavement maintenance, Whitetopping | Fifteen bonded concrete overlay of asphalt (BCOA) sections were built at the UCPRC facility in Davis, California, from February 23 to 25, 2016. The concrete mixes included Type II/V and Type III portland cements and calcium sulfoaluminate cement, and they were designed to provide 2.8 MPa (400 psi) flexural strength after either 4 or 10 hours. Six of the 15 sections were instrumented with a total of 245 sensors to measure the responses to environmental actions and cement hydration. Based on the analysis of the data collected by these sensors up until May 31, 2017, preliminary conclusions were drawn regarding how the different section configurations and concrete types responded to moisture and temperature-related actions. A clear link between drying shrinkage, concrete relative humidity, and environmental conditions was verified. Very high levels of drying shrinkage were measured in all portland cement mixes. For these mixes, the topical use of a shrinkage-reducing admixture proved to be an effective and efficient way to reduce drying shrinkage. Due to the low water/cement ratio of the portland cement mixes, very high levels of autogenous shrinkage occurred except in the mix that had been internally cured with pre-wetted lightweight aggregates. Autogenous shrinkage barely occurred in the internally cured mix. The mix with calcium sulfoaluminate cement did not present any autogenous shrinkage and presented much lower drying shrinkage than the mixes with portland cement. Despite the high levels of drying shrinkage in the mixes with portland cement, the concrete and asphalt remained fully bonded. For all the mixes, the apparent coefficient of thermal expansion was clearly influenced by the environmental conditions. Overall, thermal deformations of the mixes were much higher than predicted using the coefficient of thermal expansion determined in the laboratory under saturated conditions. | Angel Mateos, John Harvey, Fabian Paniagua, Julio Paniagua, Rongzong Wu |
| 01/01/16 | January 2016 | Effectiveness of Silane in Mitigating Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) in the Bibb Graves Bridge | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/effectiveness-of-silane-in-mitigating-alkali-silica-reaction-asr-in-the-bibb-graves-bridge/ | Alkali silica reactions | Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is a detrimental reaction in concrete that can cause severe expansion and cracking in structures. The Bibb Graves Bridge is a reinforced concrete bridge that was constructed in 1931, and is located in Wetumpka, Alabama. Both arches of span 5 have severe cracking and surface deposits caused by ASR. A silane-based, ASR mitigation was applied to spans 4 and 5 of the Bibb Graves Bridge during October and November of 2010. The goal of this mitigation procedure was to lower the internal relative humidity of the ASR-affected concrete to below 80 percent so that continued ASR-related expansions do not occur. After the application of the mitigation procedure, monitoring of the internal relative humidity, concrete expansion, and new crack development in the bridge was performed for 35 months to evaluate the effectiveness of the mitigation procedure. Analysis of the 35 months of data revealed that there were few signs of decreasing relative humidity or slowed expansion rates in the ASR-affected concrete. Analysis of the in-situ concrete strain data indicates that the ASR expansion in span 5 is continuing at the same pace as it was before mitigation. This was shown by the onset of new cracking and strong, linear trends with high expansion rates in a majority of the span. Some of the highest expansion rates in the two arches of span 5 range from 344 to 546 microstrains per year. It is concluded that the silane sealer was ineffective, and alternative mitigation options should be considered. It is recommended to continue in-situ monitoring to quantify the effects of ASR in this bridge. | Darren K Johnson, Robert L Warnock |
| 08/30/21 | August 2021 | FHWA Research and Technology Evaluation: High Friction Surface Treatments | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/fhwa-research-and-technology-evaluation-high-friction-surface-treatments/ | Friction course, Highway safety, Impacts, Research, State departments of transportation, Surface treating | This evaluation assesses how the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA’s) investment in research on high friction surface treatments (HFSTs) and related activities impact the availability and quality of such research; awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward HFSTs in the United States; adoption of HFSTs as a safety measure; and safety performance of HFSTs on the U.S. transportation system. Although measuring the effect of specific FHWA activities is difficult, this evaluation found evidence that FHWA improved awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward HFSTs and expanded the breadth of HFST research and performance data available to States considering technology deployment. The findings suggest FHWA played a key role in accelerating the consideration of HFSTs as a topic of interest, facilitated the exchange of knowledge between States at differing levels of adoption, and helped influence States’ deployment of HFSTs. Many States saw a decrease in roadway-departure crashes. While FHWA cannot claim direct responsibility for this reduction, their continued research and promotion of HFSTs have enhanced roadway safety in the United States. | Kaitlin Coppinger, Matthew Keen, Jennifer Gissel, Lydia Rainville |
| 03/01/21 | March 2021 | Reduced Cementitious Material in Optimized Concrete Mixtures | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/reduced-cementitious-material-in-optimized-concrete-mixtures/ | Admixtures, Cement, Concrete pavements, Laboratory tests, Pavement performance, Test tracks | This document reports the activities and observations of a research team that performed on-site and laboratory testing of concrete mixtures with reduced cementitious materials content placed in two cells at the MnROAD facility in Albertville, Minnesota. The overall objectives of this research project included investigating the early age characteristics of concrete paving mixes containing reduced cementitious contents as well as their long-term performance. It was observed that while workability was marginal in the mixture proportioned with 470 lb/yd³, all other properties of the test sections were similar to those of the control section. | Peter Taylor, Seyedhamed Sadati |
| 10/01/20 | October 2020 | Design and Performance of Unbonded PCC Overlays | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/design-and-performance-of-unbonded-pcc-overlays/ | Concrete overlays, Geotextiles, Pavement distress, Pavement interlayers | Due to increased traffic congestion and reduced budgets, National Road Research Alliance (NRRA) states are seeking effective rehabilitation techniques for older concrete pavements. Unbonded concrete overlays have a successful history as a rehabilitation option, and there is interest by NRRA member states to assemble information on best practices for the design, construction, and maintenance that relate to field performance. The goal of this project is to produce a brief technical document synthesizing the design, construction, maintenance, best practices, and performance observations of unbonded concrete overlays in NRRA member states. | Joseph Korzilius, Spencer Neff, Renae Kuehl |
| 02/01/23 | February 2023 | Use of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as Stabilizing Agent for Poor Subgrade Soils and Embankments | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/using-of-rice-husk-ash-rha-as-stabilizing-agent-for-poor-subgrade-soils-and-embankments/ | Embankments, Feasibility analysis, Soil stabilization, Subgrade materials, Waste products (Materials) | Arkansas produces the largest amount of rice in the United States. About 20% of the paddy is rice hull (RH). When burnt, 20% of RH is transformed into rice husk ash (RHA). Riceland Foods Inc., a family farmer-owned business in Arkansas, is the largest rice miller in the U.S. with an annual production of about 100 million bushels. A significant portion of RHA generated by Riceland is being treated as waste. RHA is a cementitious material, and Riceland's RHA contains about 75% silica in an amorphous form and has an extremely high surface area. RHA is also economically beneficial in stabilizing poor subgrade soils and embankments, but its performance as a construction material has been investigated very little. RHA can potentially be used as a stabilizing agent for poor subgrade and embankment soils, which are very common in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and other states. The main objective of the proposed collaborative study between Arkansas State University (A-State) and Oklahoma State University (OSU) is to assess the feasibility of the use of RHA in stabilizing poor subgrade and embankment soils through laboratory investigation. Based on the laboratory testing and results of this project, the investigators of this project will have a good understanding of the important features and efficacy of RHA as a stabilizing agent for poor soils. In particular, if there are short-term and long-term reactions, whether there are new minerals form as a result of the reactions, and whether the stabilization/modification processes are temporary or permanent will be understood. The outcome of the proposed study is expected to be important in setting the direction of the sustainable use of RHA and be a significant cost saving for transportation agencies in Region 6, which consists of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, and New Mexico. In the long run, the outcomes of the proposed study will help local farmers to be economically sustainable as they are striving to find new markets for RHA. Furthermore, the A-State and OSU teams would like to utilize their resources and expertise in a unified and close collaboration way in maximizing the research outcome for likely adoption of this industrial by-product by transportation departments and other agencies within Region 6, and across the US. Therefore, a quite comprehensive and detailed study is proposed by both universities. This study will develop tools and materials for longer-lasting infrastructure, assess the feasibility of using local industry-generated RHA in the Mississippi Delta area, and establish strong collaborative records among partner institutions and local industries in the region. The benefits of the proposed study are multifold: (a) reuse of waste materials in transportation construction projects, (b) enhance training opportunities for students in the region, (c) help local farmers to be economically sustainable in the long run, (d) establish a new collaborative partnership with two major universities in Region 6, and (e) build a future workforce. This study supports multiple focus areas of Tran-SET: (1) Improving durability and extending the life of the infrastructure; (2) Preserving the environment; and (3) Other Regional priorities. The proposed study is aligned with a FAST track regional priority “Multiscale characterization of recyclable waste materials in transportation applications for achieving economical and material sustainability,” having a primary focus of “Recycling infrastructure assets.” RHA is a locally available waster material, which can be used to improve the quality of local materials, which are typically poor to withstand increasing traffic loads and extreme environmental events. On the other hand, RHA causes huge environmental burdens. Besides regional priorities, this project strongly supports the Center’s FAST focus areas 4 and 5. | Momen Mousa, Zahid Hossain, Rifat Bulut |
| 01/16/24 | January 2024 | Optimizing Aggregate Gradation to Reduce Concrete’s Permeability | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/optimizing-aggregate-gradation-to-reduce-concretes-permeability/ | Admixtures, Aggregate gradation, Concrete, Mix design, Permeability, Workability | The first objective is to measure the influence of aggregate gradation on concrete’s permeability. The second is to optimize concrete mixture designs that meet strength, permeability, and workability criteria for construction. | Samuel Cooper, Jose Milla |
| 02/01/23 | February 2023 | Low-Cost Sustainable Engineered Geopolymer Composites (EGCs) for Repair and New Construction of Transportation | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/low-cost-sustainable-engineered-geopolymer-composites-egcs-for-repair-and-new-construction-of-transportation/ | Clay, Composite materials, Fiber reinforced materials, Fly ash, Geopolymer concrete, Polyvinyl acetate, Repairing | Engineered Geopolymer Composites (EGCs) are ductile strain-hardening geopolymer (GP) based materials that have been recently introduced as an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECCs). While EGCs exhibit mechanical properties exceedingly superior to those of conventional Portland cement concrete (PCC), mass adoption of these emerging composites is expected to be hindered by their cost, which is mainly driven by the use PVA reinforcing fibers, silica fume, and manufactured microsilica sand. To address this key shortcoming, the multidisciplinary team form Louisiana State University and Texas A&M university will develop and characterize novel low-cost EGC materials for repair and new construction of transportation infrastructure in Region 6 by evaluating the use of: (1) calcined clays and fly ash as replacements of commonly used silica fume for GP binders; (2) low-cost PP fiber, PVA fiber, and hybrid systems of PP and PVA fiber; and (3) natural sand instead of commonly used manufactured microsilica sand. To achieve this objective, several GP matrices, and fiber-reinforced GP composites will be developed and comprehensively studied to identify fundamental relationships between materials composition, properties, and microstructure. In turn, this will allow for rational material design and optimization. | Momen Mousa, Gabriel Arce, Miladin Radovic |
| 01/16/24 | January 2024 | Influence of Internal Curing on Concrete’s Permeability in Simulated Field Conditions | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/influence-of-internal-curing-on-concretes-permeability-in-simulated-field-conditions/ | Concrete curing, Electrical resistivity, Permeability | The first objective is to assess the influence of internal curing on concrete’s transport properties using appropriate curing conditions. The second objective is to validate the surface resistivity results with bulk diffusion testing. | Samuel Cooper, Jose Milla |
| 02/01/23 | February 2023 | Development of Ultra-High Performance Engineered Geopolymer Composites (UHP-EGCs) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-ultra-high-performance-engineered-geopolymer-composites-uhp-egcs/ | Ductility, fiber reinforced concrete, Geopolymer concrete, Ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) | The emergence of ultra-high strength ultra-high ductility cementitious composites such as ultra-high performance Engineered Cementitious Composites (UHP-ECCs) for construction application are promising for the future of civil infrastructure as these materials overcome important weaknesses of conventional concrete materials including their low tensile strength and brittle nature. However, these materials use large amounts of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), which limit their sustainability. The objective of this study is to develop novel Ultra-High Performance Engineered Geopolymer (GP) Composites (UHP-EGC) as materials for repair and new construction of transportation infrastructure in Region 6. The developed composites will be mainly made utilizing locally available resources (kaolin clays, natural sand, etc.) to enhance practicality and cost-effectiveness of these materials. To achieve this objective, a multidisciplinary team from Louisiana State University and Texas A&M University will develop several high-strength GP matrices reinforced with functionalized Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) microfibers. Material properties will be thoroughly evaluated to identify composition-microstructure-property relationships necessary for systematic design of the novel composites. Furthermore, UHP-EGCs’ cracking characteristics, dimensional stability, and bonding properties with regular concrete will be assessed to determine the feasibility of the developed composites for repair applications. | Momen Mousa, Gabriel Arce, Miladin Radovic |
| 02/01/23 | February 2023 | Development and Implementation of Low-Cost Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECCs) in Rural Roads in the State of Louisiana | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-and-implementation-of-low-cost-engineered-cementitious-composites-eccs-in-rural-roads-in-the-state-of-louisiana/ | Cement, Composite materials, Friction, Rural highways | Over the recent years, the research team has successfully developed novel low-cost Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixtures for future implementation in pavement infrastructure in Louisiana. The mechanical properties of these mixtures have been successfully validated through laboratory testing. The main objective of this study is to facilitate the implementation of the best performing mixture in the field under real world conditions. To achieve this objective, the functional properties (i.e., frictional properties) of this mixture will be adjusted and validated through laboratory testing. Once validated, the final mixture will be applied as an overlay in a rural road in the state of Louisiana in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). Over the project duration, the field performance of the ECC overlay will be assessed through regular field surveys. | Momen Mousa |
| 02/01/23 | February 2023 | Characterizing Corrosion Control and Prevention Methods for RC Elements Based on Hybrid Protection Mechanism | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/characterizing-corrosion-control-and-prevention-methods-for-rc-elements-based-on-hybrid-protection-mechanism/ | Coatings, Corrosion protection, Inhibitors (Chemistry), Materials, Reinforced concrete | A team comprised of Texas A&M University (TAMU) and University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) proposes a study that will include integration from the civil engineering, materials sciences and corrosion science technical communities to characterize and select the corrosion and mitigation methods for reinforced concrete (RC) elements regarding the corrosion of steel used in transportation applications. The proposal includes: (1) different corrosion control mechanisms including the mass transport resulted from the physical barrier (organic coatings), sacrificial or charge transfer mechanisms (cathodic protection, galvanic coupling) and homogeneous processes influencing redox inhibition (corrosion inhibitor) for corrosion of rebar steel embedded in concrete structures; (2) the characterization of RC elements with either or a combination of three different corrosion control methods, and evaluation of their performance to understand their influence on corrosion and its rates; and (3) identification of the most suitable and efficacy corrosion control strategy and quantify the uncertainties associated with methods for testing and monitoring corrosion of steel in RC elements in laboratory and field conditions. RC structures are frequently exposed to aggressive/corrosive environments that can promote deterioration of their structural properties and shortening of their service life. Chloride-induced corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete represents one of the most severe and common forms of RC degradation. The high alkaline pH of concrete leads to the formation of a passive film on the reinforcing steel. Diffusion and accumulation of chloride ions within the concrete matrix promotes breakdown of the ferrous passive film and initiation of localized corrosion at the steel surface. This passive film breakdown process requires a critical chloride concentration, commonly known as “threshold” chloride concentration. In the case where a sacrificial inorganic layer such as Zinc is applied on the rebar, corrosion initiation could be defined as the failure of the Zn layer at a certain location. The localized attack can be influenced, as mentioned previously, by the chloride content, but also by other parameters such as temperature, corrosion products thickness, etc. Previous works and efforts have been mostly focused in the threshold chloride concentration at the steel/concrete interface. The literature on galvanized steel is limited; however, it is known that the threshold chloride concentration for this material is greater than for bare steel. Furthermore, the addition of a physical barrier will add another approach to the corrosion control actions used in the RC elements and infrastructure in general. There have been attempts in which either one of the corrosion control action have been used but not as integration or balance between them at the same time. A collaborative research study is proposed to investigate the medium and long-term durability of RC system by using different control actions and optimize the materials design for transportation infrastructure in Region 6. As a part of the integral study, performance tests under corrosive environment are to be conducted on different control action systems over different periods of time. Both material characterization studies related to laboratory and field conditions will be carried out as a part of this effort. Field conditions will illustrate and correlate the results founded in laboratory scale conditions. It is apparent that DOT can benefit greatly if a research project is undertaken to develop effective corrosion control methods. The proposed study and the design guidelines for hybrid or integrated systems would be beneficial to all state DOTs within the Tran-SET membership, as it will provide new approach for eco-friendly and corrosion resistant materials used for transportation infrastructure in Region 6. The proposed research with hybrid protection mechanisms (HPM), should provide a sustainable and alternative technology applicable to the existing RC infrastructures to increase their life cycle. Therefore, the proposed collaborative study focuses on these Tran-SET’s areas: Area 4: Improving durability and extending the life of the infrastructure (Sub-area: Application of new materials and technologies); Area 6: Preserving the existing transportation system. Two doctoral students will work with PIs in the execution of the proposed research tasks. The expected deliverable from this project is a technical report summarizing all tasks from both institutions, including necessary design guidelines of HPM. Results of this project will be also disseminated in related workshops and conferences, and presented to the industrial partners. | Momen Mousa, Homero Castanada, Brendy Rincon |
| 07/31/22 | July 2022 | Beneficial Reuse of Landfilled Fly Ash in Transportation Infrastructure | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/beneficial-reuse-of-landfilled-fly-ash-in-transportation-infrastructure/ | Admixtures, Fly ash, Recycled materials | In this study, researchers from Colorado State University and the University of Wyoming will work jointly with the concrete industry partners in the region to understand the role that landfilled fly ash (LFA) plays in controlling concrete properties in the fresh and hardened state. The overarching goal of this study is to determine if LFA that may not meet the prescriptive limits set forth in ASTM C618 and AASHTO M295 can show adequate performance in service and whether a new classification can be introduced based on their inherent heterogeneity in physicochemical properties and performance data. | Denver Tolliver, Mahmoud Shakouri, Khaled Ksaibati, Chengyi Zhang |
| 02/01/23 | February 2023 | Alternative Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Ultra-High Performance Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/alternative-supplementary-cementitious-materials-in-ultra-high-performance-concrete/ | Admixtures, Cement, Durability, Fly ash, Mix design, Pozzolan, Ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) | Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is an advanced fiber reinforced composite material with compressive strengths greater than 17,000 psi (120 MPa), flexural strengths greater than 1450 psi (10 MPa), and exceptional durability properties. UHPC is produced with a high cementitious materials content, and silica fume and high-range water reducing admixtures are used to produce a dense microstructure that can result in compressive strengths greater than 29,000 psi (200 MPa). The superior durability and corrosion resistance provided by UHPC provides the potential to increase service life and lower repair costs in concrete structures. New Mexico State University (NMSU) research has shown that non-proprietary UHPC produced with local materials can cost less than proprietary mixtures, primarily by using class F fly ash to replace much of the more expensive silica fume that is used as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM). Non-proprietary UHPC produces slightly lower strengths than proprietary mixtures, but durability properties of non-proprietary mixtures have been comparable to those of proprietary mixtures. UHPC mixtures developed at NMSU have been specified by New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) for pre-cast, pre-stressed bridge girders and bridge deck overlays. Unfortunately, class F fly ash production has decreased sharply as the energy industry has reduced coal consumption and moved to renewable energy technologies to produce electricity. NMDOT expects that by as early as 2022 the supply of class F fly ash will be insufficient to meet their needs for concrete construction, so alternative SCMs are needed for all concrete mixtures including the non-proprietary UHPC mixtures. This research project will assess the potential for using alternative SCMs such as a natural pozzolan, metakaolin, and ground-granulated blast furnace slag in non-proprietary UHPC mixtures. The research project includes a comprehensive literature review to identify the most important characteristics of SCMs for use in UHPC and to expose critical concerns for UHPC mixtures produced with these materials. A suite of mixture proportions utilizing the SCMs considered in the project will then be developed. Each of the new UHPC mixtures will be evaluated for fresh and hardened properties including workability, compressive strength, and flexural strength. The most promising UHPC mixtures will then be tested for durability related properties including rapid chloride permeability, surface resistivity, shrinkage, and frost resistance. Results from the testing program will be compared to results from existing mixtures containing silica fume and class F fly ash in the final research report. The implementation phase of the project includes documenting and disseminating the results of the research in the final report for the project, publication of journal papers, publication of conference papers, and presentations at conferences. The NMSU research team is led by the PI, Professor Craig Newtson, who has over 25 years of concrete related research experience on projects totaling more than $2,300,000 in funding and has received national recognition for his research. | Momen Mousa, Craig Newtson |
| 12/31/22 | December 2022 | Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Construction of Washington Transportation Infrastructure | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-construction-of-washington-transportation-infrastructure/ | Asphalt, Benchmarks, Building materials, Concrete, Construction, Cost effectiveness, Greenhouse gases, Infrastructure, Specifications, steel | This research project aims to (1) benchmark greenhouse gas emissions from the construction of WSDOT’s projects based on existing specifications and sourcing practices; (2) identify needs for additional testing and research by WSDOT’s HQ Materials Laboratory based on current gaps related to decarbonization; and (3) provide recommendations on easily-implementable, cost-effective strategies for reducing WSDOT’s carbon footprint where strategies and testing already exist. The research scope will include concrete, asphalt, and steel products on the pre-approved products and vetting process for WSDOT’s qualified product list (QPL). This research will provide a first step in identifying opportunities for WSDOT to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to construction by focusing on opportunities related to standard specifications and practices that can be implemented across WSDOT projects. | Jon Peterson |
| 08/01/23 | August 2023 | Effectiveness Assessment of E-Ticketing Technology Adopted to Mitigate Covid-19 Challenges for Inspectors and Field Engineers in Transportation Projects: Guidebook Development for E-Ticketing (Electronic Track of Material Delivery) Implementation | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/effectiveness-assessment-of-e-ticketing-technology-adopted-to-mitigate-covid-19-challenges-for-inspectors-and-field-engineers-in-transportation-projects-guidebook-development-for-e-ticketing-electro/ | Automation, Construction projects, Data collection, Inspection, Materials | As construction of transportation projects require significant amount of financial resources, cost savings play a significant role in these projects. E-Ticketing, is a new technology which reduces project costs through less need for inspection workforce, increased accuracy in delivery of construction materials (concrete, asphalt mix, etc.), improved documentation process, and reduced project schedule. In addition, this technology increases safety of inspectors, as they do not need to locate in danger zones of projects adjacent to traffic in order to exchange paper tickets with truck drivers. Although, E-Ticketing is a very beneficial technology in construction of transportation infrastructures, several DOTs hesitate to adopt the technology and only few DOTs such as Iowa DOT and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet have pilot tested the technology. The reason behind this resistance is due to lack of sufficient research results to support the cost and schedule savings of the technology as well as lack of implementation standards and guidelines. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the E-Ticketing for construction of transportation infrastructures based on cost savings, schedule reductions, and health and safety enhancement. In this regard, this study develops two quantitative models measuring the cost savings and schedule reductions using E-Ticketing in transportation projects. Moreover, this study evaluates the health benefits of E-ticketing adoption for field inspectors as face-to-face interactions between truck drivers and field inspectors are eliminated. Survey, interviews, and quantitative data analysis and modeling techniques will be used. This study will develop project-based standards for E-Ticketing adoption by State Transportation Agencies. This study also develops a decision-making tool for adoption of E-Ticketing in different transportation projects based on their projects size, project type, complexity level, location (rural vs. urban), project timeline, and other characteristics. | Momen Mousa, Sharareh Kermanshachi |
| 06/30/22 | June 2022 | Developing High-Performance Nanocomposite Coating for Steel Reinforcement Protection in Chloride-Rich Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/developing-high-performance-nanocomposite-coating-for-steel-reinforcement-protection-in-chloride-rich-concrete/ | Chloride content, Corrosion protection, high performance concrete, Nanostructured materials, Protective coatings, Reinforcement (Engineering), steel | Anti-corrosion coating is one of the most widely used technologies to mitigate corrosion of steel reinforcement in chloride-contaminated concrete. The durability of epoxy-coated reinforcement commonly used is of great concern due to its failure record in high chloride environments and localized corrosion conditions. In this context, this project aims to design a long-lasting, high-performance rebar coating that increases the service life of the rebar in concrete by reducing corrosion at the interface between the rebar and the surrounding chloride-contaminated concrete. A two-layer coating will be applied on steel rebar, with an inhibitor-loaded epoxy nanocomposite coating as the primer and a minerals-loaded epoxy-polyurethane nanocomposite coating as the top coat. Electrochemical corrosion tests, surface analyses, and mechanical tests will be conducted to assess and elucidate the effect of different constituents on the protective performance of such novel epoxy-based nanocomposite coatings. | Xianming Shi |
| 09/30/23 | September 2023 | Enhancing the Durability of Bridge Decks by Incorporating Microencapsulated Phase Change Materials (PCMs) in Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/enhancing-the-durability-of-bridge-decks-by-incorporating-microencapsulated-phase-change-materials-pcms-in-concrete/ | Bridge decks, Concrete bridges, Feasibility analysis, Freeze thaw durability, Overlays (Pavements), Roads, Winter maintenance | In Rhode Island and other New England states, combined effects of freeze-thaw-induced damage and chloride ingress (from deicing salts) make it very challenging to maintain the quality of concrete on bridges and road surfaces. This project will develop, evaluate, and assess the feasibility of incorporating microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) into the concrete to reduce freeze-thaw/chloride ingress-induced degradation. Under freezing ambient conditions, when PCMs freeze, they release a large amount of heat that helps keep the deck/pavement warmer. As a result, PCMs can reduce the number of freeze-thaw cycles in bridge decks which can lead to a significant reduction in damage/ingress of salt and an increase in life expectancy. In this project, a series of comprehensive experiments will be performed to evaluate the influence of PCM-incorporated concrete overlays on the freeze-thaw damage response and durability of concrete against chloride ingress. Moreover, the experimental results will be synergistically integrated with a robust performance prediction tool to enable efficient design of PCM concrete overlays specifically targeted for winter weather conditions in Rhode Island and other northeastern states. | Sumanta Das, Mayrai Gindy |
| 03/15/22 | March 2022 | Assessing the Feasibility of Utilizing UAS-Based Point Cloud in Pavement Smoothness/Roughness Measurement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/assessing-the-feasibility-of-utilizing-uas-based-point-cloud-in-pavement-smoothness-roughness-measurement/ | Data collection, Drones, Pavements, Roughness, Smoothness | This proposed effort will assess the feasibility of utilizing unmanned aerial system (UAS)-based point clouds in measuring pavement roughness, and this will be accomplished through the following tasks: (1) Establish a framework to process and calculate International Roughness Index (IRI) from UAS data. The proposed framework will take UAS-based point clouds as input, remove noise, extract pavement, create a terrain model, and generate profiles to extract roughness information. All the methods and approaches will be tailored targeting a more accurate and reliable IRI assessment. (2) Perform rigorous accuracy assessment for UAS data. This project will primarily use the UAS data that was collected in the Oregon Coastal area where terrestrial lidar data is also collected and can be served as ground truth to compare against: (a) Point-based: compare terrestrial lidar point cloud on a per-point basis; (b) Model-based: compare terrain models and IRI assessment results generated from terrestrial lidar point cloud and UAS data; and (c) Sensitivity analysis: test the sensitivity of different parameters and approaches used in noise removal, modeling, and roughness assessment. (3) Provide recommendations for UAS data acquisition and processing procedures for the purpose of assessing pavement roughness. For example, regarding to data collection, the selection of ground sampling distance (GSD) can be very important because it directly affects the resolution and precision of the model. In post-processing, there are many parameters and settings that can substantially impact the point cloud and model generated from UAS data. This task will optimize these acquisition and processing parameters and provide recommendations | Erzhuo Che |
| 07/31/23 | July 2023 | Investigating Thermal and Mechanical Inputs for Rigid Pavement Design in North Carolina | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/investigating-thermal-and-mechanical-inputs-for-rigid-pavement-design-in-north-carolina/ | Aggregates, Concrete pavements, Mechanistic-empirical pavement design, Rigid pavements | North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is planning to incorporate PMED into the design process for rigid pavements. The NCDOT conducted a research project completed in 2016 as an initial step to conduct the characterization of concrete materials (FHWA Report No. NC/2015-03) which provided a database of concrete material inputs incorporating Piedmont, Coastal, and Mountain coarse aggregates along with a manufactured sand and a natural sand. Although this project provided a range of useful inputs, it is understood that there are differences in aggregates from other areas of North Carolina, including areas where rigid pavements are anticipated to be constructed. So, there is a need to characterize the concrete paving mixes prepared with these coarse aggregates and potentially other variables to obtain a more detailed catalog of PMED inputs for rigid pavement design, and subsequently, to evaluate the effects of the obtained material inputs on the design and performance analysis of rigid pavements. | Gauhar Sabih, Tara Cavalline |
| 04/30/22 | April 2022 | Low-Carbon Concrete Pilot Program | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/low-carbon-concrete-pilot-program/ | Admixtures, Aggregates, Carbon, Performance, Pollutants | Concrete is responsible for about 8.6% of the world’s CO2 emissions, despite the production of concrete having a relatively low carbon intensity compared to other building materials. The excessive release of CO2 from concrete is due to the vast quantities of the material produced each year. The goal of the proposed work is to provide the Port Authority with the ability to significantly reduce the embodied carbon of the concrete mixtures used in their construction activities. This will support agency wide greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction target of 80% by 2050. The intended outcome of the project is to provide concrete mixtures that can significantly decrease embodied carbon in Port Authority concrete placements. Additionally, the work will improve other areas of sustainability by working to close materials loops in the local region for waste glass and demolition waste. This study will also result in significant research progress in the comparison and development of LECC systems that will benefit the construction community at large. | Reza Moini, Matthew Adams |
| 06/01/23 | June 2023 | Performance of Cost-Effective Non-Proprietary UHPC in Thin Bonded Bridge Overlay | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/performance-of-cost-effective-non-proprietary-uhpc-in-thin-bonded-bridge-overlay/ | Alternatives analysis; Bridge decks; Concrete overlays; Pavement performance; Thixotropy; Ultra high performance concrete | The constructability and performance of non-proprietary thixotropic UHPC for thin bonded bridge deck overlay construction was investigated. Task 1 reviewed literature on UHPC for thin bonded overlays and non-proprietary UHPC. Crack monitoring of experimental slabs cast with UHPC thin bonded overlay (MoDOT project TR201704) and pull-off bond strength and flexural behavior for 16 composite overlay slabs cast with UHPC were determined. The overlay materials included a conventional concrete, a latex-modified concrete, and five non-proprietary UHPC mixtures made with different combinations of saturated lightweight sand (LWS) and expansive agent, fiber volumes of 2% and 3.25%, and overlay thicknesses of 1, 1.5, and 2 in. Flexural testing of the 16 overlay slabs made with substrate concrete used for bridge construction and thin bonded overlays showed that the use of UHPC overlay delayed crack opening and propagation in slab specimens. Task 2 involved fine tuning of two non-proprietary UHPC mixtures to enhance thixotropy. The effect of nanoclay, diutan and welan gums, cellulose-based viscosity-modifying admixture, anti-bleeding and segregation (ABS) admixture, styrene-butadiene rubber, and acrylic ester on key UHPC properties was evaluated. The use of 0.5% of the ABS admixture, by mass of binder, exhibited the highest thixotropy without mitigating mechanical properties of the UHPC. The effect of fiber volume was evaluated, and 3.25% volume was selected to enhance hardened properties. The robustness of the optimized UHPC was evaluated by varying the w/cm by ±10% and the sand moisture content by ±1%. These variations did not have a significant influence on rheology, shrinkage, and compressive strength. Task 3 proposed provisional performance-based specifications for the non-proprietary thixotropic UHPC for bridge overlay construction. The specifications included two proven mixture designs, batching and mixing protocols, test methods, and performance criteria for workability, mechanical properties, as well as autogenous and drying shrinkage. Recommendations were provided for minimum moist curing and compressive strength before bridge opening. Task 4 involved the implementation of the LWS17 and SRA1-3.25% mixture for the rehabilitation of two MoDOT bridge decks. A mockup slab was prepared to demonstrate the constructability of the UHPC. After 8 months of outdoor exposure, the slab did not exhibit any cracking. A field mockup test consisting of two slabs measuring 12 x 12 ft was conducted by the contractor using 1 in. twisted steel fiber instead of ½ in. microfiber. The temperature of the fresh UHPC ranged from 90 to 99 °F, which is higher than the specified value of 86°F. A curing compound, wet burlap, and plastic sheet were stipulated for 7 days before bridge opening. In-situ temperature of the UHPC dropped from 78°F at 1 day to 40°F after 2 days in the Route M overlay and to 20° F at 7 days. All compressive strength results were lower than the minimum specified values of 17,400, and 18,700 psi at 7 days and 28 days, respectively. The 2-, 7-, and 28-day compressive strengths of samples taken from the North bound lane of the Route Z Bridge are 38%, 7%, and 24%, respectively, lower than those from the South bound lane. Furthermore, samples taken from two batches along the same lane of Route Z Bridge exhibited some variation in compressive strength. The high spread in compressive strength between samples taken from different batches of the Z Bridge can be attributed to material quality control issues, especially in the case of excess water that was encountered with the saturated LWS. High strain values of -3000 and -2400 με (in compression) were recorded in the overlay at the midspan of the bridges in Route Z and M overlays, respectively. | Kamal Khayat, Le Teng, Alfred Addai-Nimoh |
| 10/31/23 | October 2023 | Ultra-High Performance Concrete Reinforced with Multiscale Hybrid Fibers and its Durability-Related Properties | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/ultra-high-performance-concrete-reinforced-with-multi-scale-hybrid-fibers-and-its-durability-related-properties/ | Building materials, Durability, fiber reinforced concrete, Mechanical properties, Mix design, Specifications, Ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) | MassDOT is seeking to improve the quality and durability of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) and ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) for longevity and constructability of new structures and repair of existing structures. There exist critical gaps in understanding the efficiency of mixture design and fibers on concrete performance, especially the mechanical and durability-related properties. A better understanding of FRC and UHPC will promote the development and applications of high-quality concrete to satisfy the performance expectation of future transportation infrastructure. | Jianqiang Wei, Sergio Brena |
| 09/30/22 | September 2022 | Construction and Materials Best Practices for Concrete Sidewalks: Phase 2 | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/construction-materials-best-practices-for-concrete-sidewalks-phase-2/ | Best practices, Concrete pavements, Durability, Materials tests, Sidewalks | Deterioration, such as scaling of concrete sidewalks, is one of the most urgent challenges that need to be tackled. There are currently extensive knowledge gaps in developing durable concrete. MassDOT is seeking to improve the durability of concrete sidewalks under extreme weather conditions in Massachusetts to reduce the maintenance and reconstruction costs. Specifically the project will achieve the following: (1) Research proper concrete sidewalk workmanship for sidewalks placed under hot weather conditions. (2) Determine whether curing/sealing compounds can replace moist curing to enable faster placement and return to use. (3) Determine if penetrating sealers are effective at limiting chloride penetration from commercially available chemical deicers. (4) Perform extensive testing on fresh and hardened concrete to identify processes responsible for concrete deterioration. (5) Document the performance of sidewalks through detailed visual and photographic inspection to support lab testing. (6) Perform hardened concrete testing using petrographic methods and chloride ingress testing to identify conditions that may lead to observed degradation in the field. | Kara D Peterman, Sergios Brena |
| 09/30/22 | September 2022 | Implementing the AASHTO Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide: Phase II | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/implementing-the-aashto-mechanistic-empirical-pavement-design-guide-phase-ii/ | Calibration, Handbooks, Mechanistic-empirical pavement design, Pavement distress, Plan implementation | MassDOT is striving to improve its highway infrastructure's resiliency to climate change, environmental impacts, and traffic loading by implementing new technologies that can provide valuable return on investment. These improvements should begin with the pavement design process which currently utilizes antiquated empirical design methods from the 1960's. AASHTO's new Mechanistic-Empirical (M-E design) pavement design method is currently used or being evaluated by at least 33 state agencies and would be a significant improvement in design. AASHTO ME design predicts pavement distresses utilizing prediction models that were developed and nationally calibrated using in-service pavements. To accurately predict the design performance in Massachusetts, these models need to be calibrated according to Massachusetts local conditions. Due to the complexity of the research problem, a multi-phase (four phase) approach over several years was suggested. The objectives for this second phase are: (1) Develop an AASHTOWare® Pavement M-E user manual & local experimental plan and sampling template. (2) Continue initial testing of already sampled mixtures to accelerate future phases of this research. | Walaa S. Mogawer |
| 06/30/23 | June 2023 | Calibration Refinement of AASHTO PaveME Pavement Design Software | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/calibration-refinement-of-aashto-paveme-pavement-design-software/ | Calibration, Mechanistic-empirical pavement design, Software | Existing calibration factors were developed based on earlier versions of AASHTO’s PaveME software. Recently, AASHTO released tools which allow for streamlined local calibration of the software’s most recent version. This project will refine local calibration of PaveME software based on pavement design and management information collected from Kentucky projects. The updated software can be used to refine the existing web-based design tool and develop more efficient designs that better utilize funding resources. The updated software may also be used to provide more efficient specialized designs for rehabilitation projects and new projects which fall outside the web-based design tool’s scope. | Clark Graves |
| 08/31/23 | August 2023 | Developing AI-Assisted In Situ NDT Method for Air Void Distribution Testing in Fresh and Hardened Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/developing-ai-assisted-in-situ-ndt-method-for-air-void-distribution-testing-in-fresh-and-hardened-concrete/ | Air voids, Artificial intelligence, Concrete pavements, Durability, Field tests, Nondestructive tests (NDT), Test procedures | This project will develop a field-deployable NDT method to evaluate the air void distribution in fresh and hardened concrete. The benefits of this program include 1) improving concrete pavement quality and long-term durability; 2) avoiding poor concrete quality and related materials, in-house labor and equipment cost; and 3) avoiding over design, and lower construction and maintenance cost. | Na Lu, Guang Lin |
| 05/30/24 | May 2024 | Real-Time Monitoring of Concrete Strength to Determine Optimal Traffic Opening Time | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/real-time-monitoring-of-concrete-strength-to-determine-optimal-traffic-opening-time/ | Concrete construction, Construction scheduling, Electrical impedance, Field test, Mechanical impedance, Mechanical properties, Monitoring, Nondestructive tests (NDT), Patching, Piezoelectricity, Sensors, Specifications, Work zone traffic control LINKS | The aim of this project is to develop a reliable in-situ sensing method to evaluate the concrete properties for determining optimal traffic opening time of patching job or new construction with fly ash or other supplementary cementitious materials. This goal will be achieved by using piezoelectric sensors coupled with electromechanical impedance (EMI) analyzers to determine the very early age properties of concrete (i.e. Stiffness, setting time, hydration, etc.). This novel method will address the deficiency of current testing methods for determining traffic opening, for instance extensive calibration of maturity test and inefficiency of flexural strength test. The impact of this study can be revolutionary as it does not require any conventional mechanical testing and expensive and heavy test setups in the field. It only requires commercially available piezoelectric sensors (~$10 per sensor) and a portable EMI analyzer for data analysis and interpretation. There is no need for calibration for each different mix design. The associated benefits of using this novel non-destructive sensing method include (1) determining optimal traffic opening time based on reliable data of concrete properties; (2) reducing pre-mature failure of concrete pavement, bridge deck, patching, and other concrete structures; (3) enabling significant cost and schedule savings in construction projects due to reduced testing samples and testing time; and (4) reducing construction worker safety issues and jobsite accident rates in construction zones. | Tommy Nantung |
| 06/30/24 | June 2024 | Thickness Design for Cement-Treated Base Pavements | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/thickness-design-for-cement-treated-base-pavements/ | Base course (Pavements); Cement; Compressive strength; Fatigue (Mechanics); Pavement design; Pavement performance; Thickness | This project developed a cement-treated base (CTB) thickness design procedure for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) based on CTB fatigue (stress ratio criterion). The researcher developed a comprehensive ILLI-PAVE database for a range of thickness design inputs (7-day compressive strength, CTB thickness, and subgrade modulus). A CTB flexural stress algorithm was derived from the comprehensive ILLI-PAVE database. Minimum CTB thicknesses for IDOT Class III and Class IV pavements were established, and the results were presented in tabular form. Falling weight deflectometer testing and project site reviews of several existing typical CTB projects indicated CTB compressive strengths are significant (average of 750 psi), and the projects are performing well. As expected, transverse shrinkage cracks have occurred in the projects. | Marshall Thompson |
| 09/30/21 | September 2021 | Concrete Pavement Mixtures with High Supplementary Cementitious Materials Content: Volume 3 | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/concrete-pavement-mixtures-with-high-supplementary-cementitious-materials-content-volume-3/ | Cementitious Material, Concrete, Fly ash, partical group | Fly ash is a byproduct of coal combustion, made up of particles that are collected through various methods. This byproduct has been used successfully as a partial Portland cement replacement in concrete, but the performance predictions of fly ash in concrete have been difficult to predict, especially at high fly ash replacement rates. This study focuses on comparing the performance of concrete with a variety of fly ash mixtures as well as the particle distribution and chemical makeup of fly ash. The slump, unit weight, compressive strength, and isothermal calorimetry tests were used to measure the performance of concrete at 0%, 20%, and 40% fly ash replacement levels. The particle distribution of fly ash was measured with an automated scanning electron microscope. Additionally, the major and minor oxides from the chemical makeup of fly ash were measured for each mixture and inputted into a table. The particle distribution and chemical makeup of fly ash were compared to the performance of slump, unit weight, compressive strength, isothermal calorimetry, and surface electrical resistivity. | Tyler Ley, Zane Lloyd, Shinhyu Kang, Dan Cook |
| 09/30/21 | September 2021 | Early-Age Properties of High-Volume Fly Ash Concrete Mixes for Pavement: Volume 2 | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/early-age-properties-of-high-volume-fly-ash-concrete-mixes-for-pavement-volume-2/ | Concrete, Fly ash, Foam Index, Hydration, Limestone, Maturity, Noncontact Ultrasound, Setting Time | High-volume fly ash concrete (HVFAC) is more cost-efficient, sustainable, and durable than conventional concrete. This report presents a state-of-the-art review of HVFAC properties and different fly ash characterization methods. The main challenges identified for HVFAC for pavements are its early-age properties such as air entrainment, setting time, and strength gain, which are the focus of this research. Five fly ash sources in Illinois have been repeatedly characterized through x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence, and laser diffraction over time. The fly ash oxide compositions from the same source but different quarterly samples were overall consistent with most variations observed in SO3 and MgO content. The minerals present in various fly ash sources were similar over multiple quarters, with the mineral content varying. The types of carbon present in the fly ash were also characterized through x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, loss on ignition, and foam index tests. A new computer vision– based digital foam index test was developed to automatically capture and quantify a video of the foam layer for better operator and laboratory reliability. The heat of hydration and setting times of HVFAC mixes for different cement and fly ash sources as well as chemical admixtures were investigated using an isothermal calorimeter. Class C HVFAC mixes had a higher sulfate imbalance than Class F mixes. The addition of chemical admixtures (both PCE- and lignosulfonate-based) delayed the hydration, with the delay higher for the PCE-based admixture. Both micro- and nano-limestone replacement were successful in accelerating the setting times, with nano-limestone being more effective than micro-limestone. A field test section constructed of HVFAC showed the feasibility and importance of using the noncontact ultrasound device to measure the final setting time as well as determine the saw-cutting time. Moreover, field implementation of the maturity method based on wireless thermal sensors demonstrated its viability for early opening strength, and only a few sensors with pavement depth are needed to estimate the field maturity. | Aniruddha Baral, Jeffery Roesler, Janryu Fu |
| 09/30/21 | September 2021 | High-Volume Fly Ash Concrete for Pavements Findings: Volume 1 | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/high-volume-fly-ash-concrete-for-pavements-findings-volume-1/ | Cementitious Material, Concrete, Fly ash, Foam Index, Hydration, Limestone, Maturity, Noncontact Ultrasound, Particle Group, Setting Time | High-volume fly ash concrete (HVFAC) has improved durability and sustainability properties at a lower cost than conventional concrete, but its early-age properties like strength gain, setting time, and air entrainment can present challenges for application to concrete pavements. This research report helps with the implementation of HVFAC for pavement applications by providing guidelines for HVFAC mix design, testing protocols, and new tools for better quality control of HVFAC properties. Calorimeter tests were performed to evaluate the effects of fly ash sources, cement–fly ash interactions, chemical admixtures, and limestone replacement on the setting times and hydration reaction of HVFAC. To better target the initial air-entraining agent dosage for HVFAC, a calibration curve between air-entraining dosage for achieving 6% air content and fly ash foam index test has been developed. Further, a digital foam index test was developed to make this test more consistent across different labs and operators. For a more rapid prediction of hardened HVFAC properties, such as compressive strength, resistivity, and diffusion coefficient, an oxide-based particle model was developed. An HVFAC field test section was also constructed to demonstrate the implementation of a noncontact ultrasonic device for determining the final set time and ideal time to initiate saw cutting. Additionally, a maturity method was successfully implemented that estimates the in-place compressive strength of HVFAC through wireless thermal sensors. An HVFAC mix design procedure using the tools developed in this project such as the calorimeter test, foam index test, and particle-based model was proposed to assist engineers in implementing HVFAC pavements. | Aniruddha Baral, Jeffery Roesler, Tyler Ley |
| 06/30/24 | June 2024 | Utilizing a Particle Packing Approach for an Illinois-Specific, Nonproprietary, Low-Shrinkage UHPC | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/utilizing-a-particle-packing-approach-for-an-illinois-specific-nonproprietary-low-shrinkage-uhpc/ | Building materials, Costs, Durability, Mix design, Optimization, Particles, Piles (Supports), Strength of materials, Ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) | The objective of the project is to develop optimum mix designs of UHPC for general use in the state of Illinois. The main goal of pursuing this research is to facilitate the production of non-proprietary UHPC having optimal particle packing and made with locally available materials, which include fine aggregates (e.g., sand, silica powder, and fine quartz), cement, chemical and mineral admixtures, and steel fibers. In fact, to advance UHPC applications in the United States, and specifically in IDOT, two conditions need to be met: the cost of UHPC raw materials must be reduced to less than $1000/yd³, compared to the cost of about $2000/yd³ for prebagged materials, and structural systems must be developed to capitalize on the unique capabilities of UHPC to allow for reduction of member weight by about 50% while maintaining adequate strength and stiffness and preserving the high durability of the material. | Nishant Garg, Mathew Gombeda |
| 12/31/24 | December 2024 | Low-Shrinkage Concrete Mixtures for Arkansas | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/low-shrinkage-concrete-mixtures-for-arkansas/ | Bridge decks, Cracking, Expansive concrete, Mix design | The goal is to find low-shrinkage material combinations using regional aggregate and cement sources in order to prevent early-age bridge deck cracking. The project will suggest mix designs for low-shrinkage concrete based on the locally available sources in each district. | Cameron Murray, Micah Hale |
| 12/31/18 | December 2018 | Highly Abrasion-Resistant and Long-Lasting Concrete | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/highly-abrasion-resistant-and-long-lasting-concrete/ | Abrasion resistance, Concrete, Laboratory tests, Life cycle analysis, Mix design, Optimization, Surveys | Studded tire usage in Alaska contributes to rutting damage on pavements resulting in high maintenance costs and safety issues. In this study binary, ternary, and quaternary highly-abrasion resistant concrete mix designs, using supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), were developed. The fresh, mechanical and durability properties of these mix designs were then tested to determine an optimum highly-abrasion resistant concrete mix that could be placed in cold climates to reduce rutting damage. SCMs used included silica fume, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and type F fly ash. Tests conducted measured workability, air content, drying shrinkage, compressive strength, flexural strength, and chloride ion permeability. Resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, scaling due to deicers, and abrasion resistance were also measured. A survey and literature review on concrete pavement practices in Alaska and other cold climates was also conducted. A preliminary construction cost analysis comparing the concrete mix designs developed was also completed. | Carolyn Morehouse |
| 12/31/20 | December 2020 | Steel Fiber Reinforced Rubberized Concrete Material Monitoring | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/steel-fiber-reinforced-rubberized-concrete-material-monitoring/ | Crumb rubber, Evaluation and assessment, Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC), Fiber reinforced materials, Pavement performance, Recommendations, Steel fibers | Experimental feature monitoring of the installed Steel Fiber Reinforced Rubberized Concrete (SFRRC) installed summer 2017 on Abbot Road in Anchorage, AK. This project will monitor and collect pavement data for 3 years post-construction. Specifically, material wear, operations, and pavement condition compared to control sites. At the end of the evaluation period, a synopsis will be provided that includes recommendations on the use of SFRRC in Alaska. It will also contain information concerning what pitfalls or construction .maintenance issues to resolved with improved specifications, construction plans, and/or practices. | Carolyn Morehouse |
| 08/27/21 | August 2021 | Rapid Slab Repair and Replacement of Airfield Concrete Pavement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/rapid-slab-repair-and-replacement-of-airfield-concrete-pavement/ | Airport runways, Concrete pavements, Cost effectiveness, Guidelines, Pavement maintenance, Repairing | Whether in a commercial service or general aviation airport, the closure of a critical pavement asset has a significant impact on operations, especially if that asset is the runway at a single-runway airport. This report will assist airport personnel in planning, designing, and constructing appropriate rapid slab repair and replacement (RSRR) activities to cost-effectively minimize the impact of pavement-related closures. Airports can benefit from guidance on these activities, since their execution can differ from traditional pavement repair and replacement. | Jeff Stempihar, Jose Medina, Thomas Van Dam, Linda Pierce, James Bruinsma, Kurt Smith, David Peshkin |
| 06/01/16 | June 2016 | Bridge Decks: Mitigation of Shrinkage Cracking and Increased Durability | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/bridge-decks-mitigation-of-shrinkage-cracking/ | Bridge decks, Bridges, Cracking, Deck model, Durability, Expansive concrete, Finite element model, Fly ash, Lightweight aggregates, Mitigation, Parametric analysis, Shrinkage, Silica fume, SRA | The application of pre-soaked lightweight aggregates (LWA) as an internal curing agent in concrete to reduce the cracking due to drying shrinkage is thoroughly studied in this report. It is determined that although LWA can significantly reduce autogenous shrinkage, its effect on drying shrinkage is minimal and in some cases it can even increase the drying shrinkage. Moreover, the combined effects of LWA and expansive cement (Type K) and LWA and shrinkage-reducing admixtures (SRAs) on drying shrinkage is also studied. It is shown that addition of Type K cement or SRA to mixtures containing LWA can significantly reduce drying shrinkage and make the mixture more volumetrically stable. | Ardavan Ardeshirilajimi, Di Wu, Piyush Chaunsali, Paramita Mondal, Ying Tung Chen, Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Ahmed Ibrahim, Will Lindquist, Riyadh Hindi |
| 08/01/15 | August 2015 | Comparative Evaluation of Concrete Bridge Deck Sealers | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/comparative-evaluation-of-concrete-bridge-deck-sealers/ | Alternatives analysis, Bridge decks, Concrete bridges, Epoxides, Evaluation and assessment, Sealing compounds | The main objective of this research was to compare the performance of five bridge deck sealer products using a synthesis of two testing methods: National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 244 Series II tests and standards developed by the Alberta Ministry of Transportation (BT Series). This research also sought to develop an improved method for future evaluation of bridge deck sealer products for the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). The sealer products were evaluated for their resistance to moisture and chloride ingress, performance after simulated traffic wear, and depth of sealer penetration into the concrete. The products tested included four epoxy-based sealer products and one sodium silicate sealer product. The sealers were evaluated on three different concrete mix designs representing the range of bridge deck concrete in service with ALDOT. Concrete cube specimens were fabricated, sealed, conditioned, and subjected to different tests. One test evaluated the waterproofing performance of sealers before and after abrasive conditioning (representing traffic wear). Another test determined the products’ ability to resist chloride penetration and their waterproofing performance in a saltwater solution. The chloride content was measured by potentiometric titration with silver nitrate and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). Sealer penetration depth was determined by a dye method and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Initial (pre-abrasion) waterproofing performance results generally showed a good correlation to chloride resistance. XRF and titration analyses provided nearly identical results for measuring chlorides in concrete; however, XRF is a preferred method for determination of chloride content because it is much faster than titration. Two epoxy sealers outperformed all products for all evaluation criteria. A third epoxy sealer had good overall performance, but many specimens sealed with this product developed cracks that warranted further investigation. The sodium silicate sealer performed poorly compared to all four epoxy-based sealers. The epoxy-based sealers did not exhibit any measurable sealer penetration into the concrete and the sodium silicate sealer penetrated less than 100 µm into the concrete. | Eric R Giannini, Jay K Lindly, J Riley Dunn |
| 03/01/18 | March 2018 | Durability Evaluation of Ternary Mix Designs for Extremely Aggressive Exposures | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/durability-evaluation-of-ternary-mix-designs-for-extremely-aggressive-exposures/ | Admixtures, Concrete, Durability tests, Florida, Highways, Laboratory tests, Materials, Pavements, Permeability | Concrete mixtures can be made to be durable, even in extremely aggressive environments common in Florida. Deterioration is often caused by water and ion ingress into concrete through the concrete pore network. The resistance to water and ion movement into concrete, or penetrability, is measured by direct and indirect measures of the concrete pore system. As part of this phase I study, concrete specimens were made to test using surface resistivity (AASHTO T 358, bulk resistivity (AASHTO TP 119), rapid chloride permeability test (ASTM C1202), rapid chloride migration test (NT Build 492), volume of permeable voids (ASTM C642), water permeability, water absorption (ASTM C1585), concrete bulk diffusion (ASTM C1556), and concrete sulfate durability (ASTM C1012). This report documents the materials and mixtures used in this testing, methods used, and results. | Kyle A Riding, Christopher C Ferraro, Mohammed Almarshoud, Seyedhossein Mosavi, Raid Alrashidi, Alyami, Mohammed Hussein |
| 09/30/22 | September 2022 | Impacts of Internally Cured Concrete Paving on Contraction Joint Spacing | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/impacts-of-internally-cured-concrete-paving-on-contraction-joint-spacing/ | Concrete curing, Concrete pavements, Contraction joints, Field studies, Overlays (Pavements), Pavement performance | The primary research objective of this research study is to perform a full-scale field demonstration of the internally cured (IC) technology and its efficient performance benefits for Iowa's city and county roadways and state highways. In consultation with the project TAC, two upcoming construction projects conducted by the city, county, or Iowa DOT will be identified for IC concrete field demonstration. As already noted, such technology is suitable for use in a variety of transportation infrastructure components, including roads, bridges, sidewalks, rest areas, etc. Two potential sites of interest to Iowa county engineers are W61 Riverside Road in Washington County, Iowa, and County Road W34 in Winneshiek County, Iowa. At least one of these two sites, IC concrete technology would be implemented in a concrete overlay project to evaluate the performance of such pavement systems, and there is a strong likelihood that it would be found beneficial to implement both pavement sections using IC concrete technology. A focused project management strategy, essential for the successful completion of the project, is represented by the specific objectives of this project to be achieved through the execution of the following proposed research tasks: Task 1: Kick-off TAC meeting and identify potential sites for field implementation projects. Task 2: Laboratory characterization and evaluation of internal curing mixtures for use in field implementation projects. Task 3: Develop field implementation and evaluation plan. Task 4: Execute field implementation and evaluation plan. Task 5: Data analysis. Task 6: AASHTOWare Pavement ME modeling and analysis. Task 7: Economic analysis for field implementation projects. Task 8: Develop preliminary draft report. Task 9: Revise draft report based on TAC comments and discussion. Task 10: Final Report and presentation. | Peter Taylor, Halil Ceylan, Yang Zhang |
| 04/01/21 | April 2021 | Impacts of Internally Cured Concrete Paving on Contraction Joint Spacing: Phase II—Field Implementation of Internally Cured Concrete for Iowa Pavement Systems | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/impacts-of-internally-cured-concrete-paving-on-contraction-joint-spacing-phase-ii-field-implementation-of-internally-cured-concrete-for-iowa-pavement-systems/ | Concrete curing, Concrete pavements, Field tests, Fine aggregates, Laboratory tests, Life cycle analysis, Pavement cracking, Pavement joints, Pavement performance, Permeability, Warpage | The aim of the work described in this report was to investigate the impacts of internally cured (IC) concrete paving on warping in test pavements built in Iowa. The study involved both laboratory investigations and field implementation of internally cured concrete for Iowa pavement systems. In summary, the technique does appear to be of benefit for reducing the potential for early-age cracking, improving ride and increasing the longevity of relatively thin overlays. | Amin Daghighe, Peter Taylor, Halil Ceylan, Yang Zhang |
| 01/31/21 | January 2021 | Improving the Foundation Layers for Concrete Pavements: Lessons Learned and a Framework for Mechanistic Assessment of Pavement Foundations | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/improving-the-foundation-layers-for-concrete-pavements-lessons-learned-and-a-framework-for-mechanistic-assessment-of-pavement-foundations/ | Concrete pavements, Lessons learned, Mechanistic-empirical pavement design, Pavement performance, Perpetual Pavements, Portland cement concrete, quality assurance, Service life, Subbase (Pavements), Subgrade (Pavements) | This report summarizes the key findings and lessons learned from the series of field, laboratory, and advanced numerical studies performed under Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Transportation Pooled Fund Study TPF-5(183). This research program was established by the partnering state departments of transportation (DOTs) to identify opportunities to document the as-constructed conditions and advance the quality and economy of the foundation layers for portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements, leading to improved support for long-life pavement systems. The key findings and lessons learned are drawn from detailed pavement foundation test programs in the participating states of California, Iowa, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. | David J. White, Pavana K. R. Vennapusa, Bora Cetin |
| 03/17/21 | March 2021 | Reducing Shrinkage in Concrete Bridge Decks Using Single- and Double- Ring Test Methods | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/reducing-shrinkage-in-concrete-bridge-decks-using-single-and-double-ring-test-methods/ | Bridge decks; Concrete bridges; Cost effectiveness; Mix design; Overlays (Pavements); Shrinkage; Test procedures | The objectives of this project are as follows: (1) Evaluate the effects of single methods to mitigate shrinkage; (2) Quantify the beneficial effects of multiple methods to mitigate shrinkage; (3) Propose solutions for WYDOT using standard mix designs for two types of aggregates; (4) Provide guidance on the use of internal curing for concrete mix designs. As an example of maintenance costs, a single 6,000 ft² bridge deck can reach up to $250,000.00. This considers two rigid overlays and one epoxy overlay with a 10 percent class II-A and 5 percent class II-B repairs. These costs do not include the traffic control and safety mobilization that can add another $100,000.00 to this single hypothetical bridge deck. If overlays can be deferred or eliminated by reducing or eliminating early age shrinkage cracking, this could result in a significant savings for WYDOT. | Whitney Wise |
| 05/31/21 | May 2021 | Summary Findings of Re-Engineered Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement: Volume 1 | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/summary-findings-of-re-engineered-continuously-reinforced-concrete-pavement-volume-1/ | Cement, Concrete curing, Continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRC pavements), Cost effectiveness, Cracking, Falling weight deflectometers, Field tests, Laboratory tests, Pavement design, Pavement performance, Paving, Post tensioning | This research project conducted laboratory testing on the design and impact of internal curing on concrete paving mixtures with supplementary cementitious materials and evaluated field test sections for the performance of crack properties and continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) structure under environmental and falling weight deflectometer (FWD) loading. This report volume summarizes the three year research effort evaluating design, material, and construction features that have the potential for reducing the initial cost of CRCP without compromising its long-term performance. | Jeffrey Roesler, Sachindra Dahal, Dan Zollinger, Jason Weiss |
| Stainless Steel Coated Rebar for Chloride Resistant Concrete Highways and Bridges | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/stainless-steel-coated-rebar-for-chloride-resistant-concrete-highways-and-bridges/ | Coatings, Corrosion resistant materials, Reinforcing bars, Thickness | This project will develop low-cost, highly corrosion-resistant multilayer metallic composite steel rebars for concrete reinforcement. The work is being carried out in two stages. Work in Stage 1 primarily involves laboratory-scale testing of the stainless-clad steel rebars to determine optimal coating composition for corrosion resistance. The tolerance of the rebar to mechanical bending without damage to the corrosion-resistant coating will also be investigated. Prototype rebars with different coating grades will be produced. There are a variety of grades commercially available, including austenitic (FCC) steels and ferritic (BCC) steels. Cladded rebars with a minimum of four distinct coating grades, with and without molybdenum, will be produced. The produced prototype rebars will be tested for corrosion resistance and performance. Immersion testing in NaCl solution and salt spray testing will be conducted to investigate the coating performance in accelerated corrosion conditions. The rebars will also be subjected to various types of bend testing (90, 180 degree bends, bend/re-bend) to determine whether coating cracking during bending is a significant issue. If the issue is found to be significant, annealing experiments will be conducted to thermally repair the deformed microstructure of the coating and enhance ductility. Bend tests will then be performed on annealed samples to see if annealing resolves the issue. Bend tests will comply with industry standards established by the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI). Work in Stage 2 will involve optimization of the rebar coating thickness. Tests to be conducted will include simulating coating damage to understand the impact of coating flaws/defects on performance as well as in-concrete mechanical pullout test. Since the production cost of the developed rebar will be related to the coating thickness, it is critical to determine the minimum thickness with the desired coating properties. After selecting a final coating grade from Stage 1 findings, prototypes will be produced with coating thicknesses of approximately 25, 50, 75, and 100 microns, and corrosion and bend tests will be conducted to determine the acceptable rebar thickness coating range. Abrasion, adhesion, and indentation tests also will be conducted on the coated rebars to assess their resistance to mechanical damage. Additionally, coating “holidays” will be created and defected rebars as well as bent rebars will be subjected to accelerated corrosion testing. Bonding between the coated rebar and concrete will be evaluated through rebar pullout testing. It is anticipated that the stainless-clad rebar will perform significantly better than epoxy-coated bar and will be comparable to uncoated rebar. The final report will provide all relevant data, methods, models, and conclusions along with guidance on how to implement the stainless-clad rebar in a pilot state DOT installation. | Inam Jawed, Samuel McAlpine | ||
| 06/01/20 | June 2020 | Laboratory Investigation of Workable and Durable Concretes for Bridge Repair | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/laboratory-investigation-of-workable-and-durable-concretes-for-bridge-repair/ | Admixtures, Bridges, Compressive strength, Concrete, Cracking, Durability, Fibers, Fly ash, Laboratory tests, Portland cement, Repairing, Silica fume, water reducing agents, Workability | Concretes for bridge repair that attained 3,000 psi compressive strength within 10 hours, 1 day, and 7 days and had high workability and durability were investigated in the laboratory. Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) were used in concrete with portland cement to make the mixture resist the penetration of harmful solutions and chemical attack. These concretes were air entrained for proper resistance to cycles of freezing and thawing. When high early strength was needed, high amounts of portland cement and low water–cementitious materials ratios were used in these concretes that made them prone to cracking. However, fibers were investigated to control the cracking. Mixtures with rapid setting cement were also tested for high early strengths. Test results indicated that with high amounts of portland cement with an SCM or the use of rapid setting cement, desired strength can be achieved within 10 hours. To achieve 3,000 psi in 1 day and 7 days, lower amounts of portland cement with an SCM and overall lower paste contents were used, making them less prone to cracking. The study recommends that high amounts of portland cements with SCMs be used to achieve 3,000 psi within 10 hours with setting times long enough for mixing and delivery by truck mixers and placement. These concretes may need to be insulated at the jobsite to retain heat to ensure early strengths are achieved. If shorter setting times can be accommodated using on-site mobile mixers, rapid setting cement can be used to achieve a 3,000 psi compressive strength within a few hours, i.e., much less than 10 hours. For longer times, more than 1 day, to attain 3,000 psi, portland cements containing SCMs with a low cementitious materials content should be used; they are cost-effective, easier to make, and have less cracking potential than the high early strength mixtures with portland cement with an SCM. If cracking is anticipated, fibers can be added. In the laboratory, an efficient pan type mixer was used to obtain uniform blending of ingredients and good distribution of fibers. In future field work, large quantities of material would be mixed and delivered in ready mixed concrete trucks or mobile mixers, which are not as efficient as laboratory mixers. Use of ready mixed trucks and mobile mixers to provide the recommended mixtures needs to be investigated to identify any issues and to streamline the implementation of the mixtures. | H. Celik Ozyildirim, Mary Sharifi |
| 10/01/21 | October 2021 | Life-Cycle Impact Assessment of Recycled Pavement Projects in Virginia | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/life-cycle-impact-assessment-of-recycled-pavement-projects-in-virginia/ | Asphalt pavements, Cold in-place recycling, Environmental impacts, Full-depth reclamation, Global warming, Life cycle analysis, Service life | This report describes a study conducted to evaluate the performance and quantify the potential environmental benefits of recycled asphalt pavement projects completed in Virginia. The performance of the recycled projects was assessed by evaluating collected stiffness data and by the development of performance prediction models based on data obtained from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) pavement management system. Quantifying the potential environmental impacts for these projects was completed following recommendations by Harvey et al. in Pavement Life Cycle Assessment Framework. Modeling of unit processes in the various pavement life cycle stages was tailored to represent conditions and practices used in Virginia to the extent possible. The global warming (GW) score and a Single Score Index were used to assess pavement recycling projects completed in Virginia. The study found that approximately 98% of the total GW score result came from pavement smoothness during the use stage. During the cradle-to-laid (material production, transportation, and construction) stage, the results showed that pavement recycling projects used for interstate reconstruction and primary route restorative maintenance were more environmentally friendly—as they yielded lower GW scores—compared to the conventional approaches. The results found that full depth reclamation (FDR) projects used as reconstruction on primary routes sometimes had a higher GW score compared to conventional projects, especially in instances when cement was used as a stabilizing agent (cement production at the plants is associated with high greenhouse gas emissions). When considering the entire life cycle, most of the GW score impacts came from the use stage. The results of the structural evaluation showed that there were no large changes in the stiffness of the recycled layers for FDR projects when comparing data from 36-month and 10-year testing periods. The predicted functional service life of all recycling projects ranged from 6 to more than 30 years using thresholds based on either ride quality or a distress index. For FDR projects, cement-stabilized projects were generally predicted to last longer when compared to the asphalt-stabilized projects. The study recommends that VDOT consider reoccurring structural evaluation of all completed pavement recycling projects to better evaluate the trends observed in this report. To reduce environmental impacts, VDOT should encourage (or even incentivize) practices that improve the initial pavement smoothness for recycling projects and use structural designs that are expected to have a low annual rate of deterioration. To better account for the actual deterioration of pavement recycling projects with the agency pavement management system, VDOT should develop a set of recycling-specific deterioration models to better reflect their anticipated longer service lives. Finally, VDOT should develop a framework to implement life cycle assessment practices to complement the current selection and design process, for pavement maintenance and rehabilitation projects, that will result in reduced environmental impacts. | Brian K. Diefenderfer, Gerardo W. Flintsch, Samer W. Katicha, Eugene A. Amarh |
| 01/01/21 | January 2021 | Evaluation of Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Stabilization of Cohesionless Sandy Soil for Transportation Infrastructure | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-sustainable-and-environmentally-friendly-stabilization-of-cohesionless-sandy-soil-for-transportation-infrastructure/ | cohesionless soils, geopolymer, Infrastructure, Pavements, Stabilization, sustainability | 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 stabilizing cohesionless sandy soils with metakaolin-based GP. Engineering and characterization tests such as shrinkage, strength, pH, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were performed to evaluate various characteristics of the stabilized mixes with different dosages of geopolymer and relate them to microstructural changes. Notably, GPtreated soils did not deteriorate during the durability tests, whereas the OPC-treated soil only retained about 75% of its strength. This is an indication that GP could be a better choice than OPC in coastal areas where cohesionless soils often experience heavy rainfall and flooding. Overall, an optimum dosage of GP improved both the mechanical properties and durability of cohesionless soils. | Puppala Radovic |
| 08/31/21 | August 2021 | Perform Feasibility Study on Use of Innovative Tools and Techniques to Accelerate Pavement Construction | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/perform-feasibility-study-on-use-of-innovative-tools-and-techniques-to-accelerate-pavement-construction/ | Construction and maintenance, Decision making, Flaw detection, Inspection equipment, Nondestructive tests (NDT), Pavement maintenance | The Texas Department of Transportation is facing an increase in pavement reconstruction projects over the next several years. However, many roadways needing reconstruction and widening are in metro areas where traffic handling and user delay costs are a major expense. This project investigated innovative tools and techniques to accelerate pavement construction. | Darlene Goehl, Tom Scullion, Kunhee Choi, Charles Gurganus, Bryan Wilson |
| 01/31/2022 | January 2022 | Use of Recycled Concrete Aggregate in Concrete Pavement Mixes | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/use-of-recycled-concrete-aggregate-in-concrete-pavement-mixes/ | fresh properties, hardened properties, mix proportioning, paving concrete, recycled concrete aggregate | Natural virgin aggregates (NVAs) have become gradually exhausted across the state of Tennessee. There is a growing need for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to replace NVAs with more sustainable recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs). It is the intention of the project to quantitatively assess various RCAs available in Tennessee and to explore their suitability for TDOT new paving concrete mixes. This report documents the main findings of the project. A total of eight RCAs were collected representing different concrete origins of pavement, returned concrete, and mixed sources including buildings. Their basic properties were evaluated, including size and gradation, specific gravity, absorption, LA abrasion loss, chloride content, and pH value. These properties were observed to vary widely with RCA sources. This report also covers how RCAs affected the performance of concrete. It becomes evident that RCAs from good quality concrete origins such as pavements can be used in new paving concrete when adequately designed and proportioned. They demonstrated similar performance as NVAs. However, RCAs from unknow or mixed sources should be used with cautions as they may have inconsistent quality. Poor quality RCAs reflected by high absorption, high LA abrasion loss, and low specific gravity due to unsound adhered paste are not recommended for paving concrete because they will substantially reduce the strength and durability of concrete. RCAs with nondurable aggregate origins are also unsuitable for paving concrete applications. | Zhifu Yang, Kevin Overall, Heather J. Brown |
| 06/01/20 | June 2020 | Determining Bridge Deck Chloride Quantities with Ground Penetrating Radar | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/determining-bridge-deck-chloride-quantities-with-ground-penetrating-radar/ | Bridge decks, Chloride content, Chlorides, Concrete bridges, Cores (Specimens), Corrosion, Ground penetrating radar, Nondestructive tests (NDT), sampling | The focus of this project is the investigation of a new method for determining chloride quantity in bridge decks using nondestructive ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology in combination with a limited number of cores for calibration. Traditional measurement techniques involve core sampling and laboratory testing of concrete samples. While this gives an accurate measure of chloride at the location of the core, it cannot readily determine the distribution of chlorides throughout the deck or the maximum or minimum chloride amounts unless a great number of cores are taken. The GPR method developed here has the potential to provide that information and provide bridge owners with detailed information on the quantity and location of chlorides in their bridge decks. GPR signal attenuation in bridge deck concrete occurs as a result of the conductive nature of the concrete when water and chlorides are introduced. The current research approach focuses on the use of radar to determine the quantity of chloride in the concrete, and specifically to demonstrate the possibility of utilizing GPR along with limited coring (two or three core samples) and laboratory chloride measurements to produce an accurate and quantitative, spatial mapping of chlorides in bridge decks. The results of this research show that this is possible, based on in-situ field testing and is further confirmed by analytical modeling and laboratory experimentation. It should be noted, however, that these results are based on limited experimental data and further testing of the accuracy and reliability of the method is recommended. A three-pronged approach was taken consisting of (1) the development of an analytical model, which describes through mathematical derivation the GPR losses or attenuation in chloride contaminated concrete, (2) laboratory experimentation with sand and gravel test specimens with varying concentrations of chloride and moisture, and (3) field testing on an asphalt overlaid, concrete bridge deck using laboratory chloride measurements to calibrate GPR attenuation. In each of these approaches the attenuation-chloride relationship for bridge deck concrete has been derived and quantified. Together, they define the fundamental theory for this technique and the methodology for putting it into practice. | Anthony J. Alongi |
| 02/01/22 | February 2022 | Longitudinal Cracking Investigation on I-72 Experimental Unbonded Concrete Overlay | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/longitudinal-cracking-investigation-on-i-72-experimental-unbonded-concrete-overlay/ | Concrete overlays, Cracking, Interstate highways, Longitudinal cracking, Pavement interlayers | A research study investigated longitudinal cracking developing along an experimental unbonded concrete overlay (UBOL) on I-72 near Riverton, Illinois. The project evaluated existing literature on UBOL (design, construction, and performance), UBOL case studies, and mechanistic-empirical design procedures for defining the mechanisms that are contributing to the observed distresses. Detailed distress surveys and coring were conducted to assess the extent of the longitudinal cracking and faulting along the longitudinal lane-shoulder joint. Coring over the transverse contraction joints in the driving lane showed stripping and erosion of the dense-graded hot-mix asphalt (HMA) interlayer was the primary mechanism initiating the longitudinal cracks. Cores from the lane-shoulder joint confirmed stripping and erosion was also occurring there and leading to the elevation difference between the driving lane and shoulder. Field sections by surrounding state departments of transportation (DOTs), such as Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, with similar UBOL design features to the I-72 section were examined. Site visits were performed in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania, while other sections were reviewed via state DOT contacts as well as Google Earth and Maps. Evidence from other DOTs suggested that HMA interlayers, whether dense graded or drainable, could experience stripping, erosion, and instability under certain conditions. An existing performance test for interlayers, i.e., Hamburg wheel-tracking device, and current models reviewed were not able to predict the distresses on I-72 eastbound. Adapting a dynamic cylinder test is a next step to screen HMA interlayers (or other stabilized layers) for stripping and erosion potential. To slow down the cracking and faulting on I-72 eastbound, sealing of the longitudinal lane-shoulder joint and driving lane transverse joints is suggested. To maximize UBOL service life, an HMA overlay will minimize water infiltration into the interlayer system and significantly slow down the HMA stripping and erosion mechanism that has led to longitudinal cracking and lane-shoulder faulting. | John DeSantis, Jeffery Roesler |
| Airfield Pavement Management Framework Using Advanced Modeling Techniques | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/airfield-pavement-management-framework-using-advanced-modeling-techniques/ | Airports, landing fields, Pavement maintenance, Pavement management systems, Pavements, Service life | Airport authorities constantly collect pavement condition data and utilize life-cycle cost analysis to select construction and maintenance alternatives. The current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular 150/5380-7B recommends using pavement condition index (PCI) to assess airfield pavement condition for planning of maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R) treatments. It is well-recognized that structural and functional performance of airfield pavement may deteriorate differently, and hence, two pavement sections with the same PCI may have different deteriorations and need different M&R treatments. As such, the structural condition index (SCI) and foreign object damage (FOD) should be considered along with the PCI to help airport authorities determine the time and type of pavement repair. This project aims to develop a comprehensive airfield pavement management framework that can predict the service life of airport key components (runway, taxiway, and apron) in terms of PCI, SCI, and FOD based on airport conditions and without the need for frequent monitoring of pavement conditions. | Momen Mousa | ||
| Performance Index Rating and Maintenance Cost Assignment for Ramps, Acceleration and Deceleration Lanes in Louisiana | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/performance-index-rating-and-maintenance-cost-assignment-for-ramps-acceleration-and-deceleration-lanes-in-louisiana/ | acceleration lanes, Classification, Costs, deceleration lanes, Guidelines, Pavement maintenance, Preservation, ramps, Roughness | The objectives of this study are as follows: (1) Ascertain whether there are differences in International Roughness Index (IRI) and Performance Index (PI) values of analysis lanes as compared to ramps, acceleration lanes and deceleration lanes at project and network level. (2) Propose a framework for measuring and characterizing IRI and PI values for ramps, acceleration lanes and deceleration lanes; and (3) Establish and propose guidelines to address additional treatment costs specific to ramps, acceleration lanes and deceleration lanes at the project and network levels. | Qiming Chen, Moses Akentuna | ||
| 02/28/22 | February 2022 | Evaluation of Penetrating Sealers for Concrete TR-765 | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/evaluation-of-penetrating-sealers-for-concrete-tr-765/ | Concrete pavements, Durability, Evaluation and assessment, Pavement joints, Rigid pavements, Sealing compounds, Test procedures | Joints in a rigid pavement can act as local reservoirs trapping deicing salts and moisture. Such a harsh micro-environment inside the joints impacts the durability of concrete in cut joint surfaces, resulting in premature distress even in cases where the bulk of pavement exhibits proper durability against frost action and chemical attack by deicing salts. The use of sealers can be considered an effective means for enhancing joint durability. However, with the growing interest in the use of concrete sealers, there has been an increase in the number of manufacturers, types of sealers, and commercial products available. This has resulted in problems for the owner agencies who lack the robust tools to evaluate such products. The work presented in this research proposal addresses the effect of sealers on the durability of joints in Iowa’s rigid pavements, as well as proposing testing protocols for the evaluation of the sealer material’s long-term durability. | Peter Taylor |
| 05/15/23 | May 2023 | Optimal Approach for Addressing Reinforcement Corrosion for Concrete Bridge Decks in Illinois: Phase II | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/optimal-approach-for-addressing-reinforcement-corrosion-for-concrete-bridge-decks-in-illinois-phase-ii/ | Bridge decks, Corrosion resistance, Life cycle costing, Literature reviews, Reinforced concrete, Reinforcing bars | This report presents the expansion of a previously introduced life-cycle cost calculation framework for concrete bridge decks in Illinois. In addition to the alternative reinforcement options examined in the Illinois Center for Transportation and Illinois Department of Transportation project R27-SP49, two additional reinforcing bar types—stainless steel–clad carbon core and textured epoxy-coated bars—are the main subjects of this study. The results of a comprehensive literature review of these two additional bar options will highlight their cost-benefit characteristics toward optimizing the life span of a concrete bridge deck, most notably trade-offs between often increased upfront material costs and enhanced durability over a design 100-year service life. Additionally, the scope of this study includes the development of a more robust methodology to account for the effect of the relatively high nominal yield strength and corresponding reduced ductility of A1035 bars, one of the alternate reinforcement options examined in R27-SP49. The researchers used a numerical moment-curvature-based analysis methodology to facilitate the development of a design-friendly modified high-strength reinforcement factor that supersedes the nominal yield strength factor proposed in the original version of the life-cycle cost framework. The outcomes of this project and R27-SP49 will collectively expand upon and aim to enhance the effectiveness of the originally proposed life-cycle cost framework. The outcomes will be demonstrated by presenting updated life-cycle costs and via a parametric study of two hypothetical bridge deck examples, each falling into significantly different categories for traffic demands and select performance expectations. | Matthew J. Gombeda, Zoe N. Lallas, Estevan River Jr. |
| 05/16/22 | May 2022 | Optimal Approach for Addressing Reinforcement Corrosion for Concrete Bridge Decks in Illinois | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/optimal-approach-for-addressing-reinforcement-corrosion-for-concrete-bridge-decks-in-illinois/ | Bridge decks, Corrosion, Life cycle analysis, Reinforced concrete bridges, Reinforcement (Engineering) | This report presents the results of a comprehensive literature review focusing on corrosion performance of reinforced concrete bridge decks, with a particular emphasis on the relative performance of alternative corrosion-resistant reinforcement types. Examples of alternative corrosion-protection options examined herein include epoxy-coated, galvanized, stainless-steel, and A1035 bars, considering conventional black reinforcing bars as the standard. Based upon the results of the literature review, a framework for determining the optimal reinforcement option for a bridge deck is presented as a function of the properties of each reinforcement type and other factors, such as design service life, location of the bridge, estimated maintenance/repair cycles, and relative costs. Several examples are also provided to demonstrate the procedure for using the framework and its applicability for different bridge types with varying design considerations, such as a congested urban artery and a rural interstate. The literature review findings and the optimal approach framework were crafted for use by bridge design engineers as preliminary guidance when determining the type of reinforcement for a given bridge deck and its corresponding conditions. Furthermore, the approach can also be used by Illinois Department of Transportation officials when deciding whether to invest in higher performing corrosion-protection systems for a given application or for updating current bridge design policies to reflect the latest developments in alternative corrosion-resistant reinforcement options. | Matthew J. Gombeda, Zoe N. Lallas, Estevan River Jr. |
| 01/01/22 | January 2022 | Compacted Concrete Pavement | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/compacted-concrete-pavement/ | Durability, fiber reinforced concrete, Field tests, Mechanical properties, Roller compacted concrete pavements, Shrinkage | The main objective of this project was to evaluate construction issues and characterize the long-term performance of compacted concrete pavement (CCP). Three CCP test cells were designed and constructed in Scott County, Missouri, as part of a larger construction project. The total pavement length was 42 ft for the three cells. Cell 1 and Cell 2 were prepared without fibers and had a length of 15 and 12 ft, respectively. Cell 3 was prepared with 5 lb/yd³ (pcy) of synthetic fibers and had a length of 15 ft. The moisture content of the concrete was kept between 5% and 6%, and the water-to-cementitious material ratio was maintained between 0.31 and 0.38. Test results showed that the incorporation of fibers enhanced the mechanical properties (compressive and flexural strengths) of CCP mixtures when proper compaction was provided, as in the case of cast-in field samples. Also, fibers changed the flexural failure mode of saw-cut and cast-in-field CCP samples from brittle to ductile failure. The incorporation of fibers had a restraining effect on the drying shrinkage of CCP mixtures. The use of fibers did not have a significant effect on the performance of CCP mixtures, as shown from the falling weight deflectometer (FWD), truck loading tests and curling and warping. This can be mainly related to the extremely dry consistency of the CCP mixtures (Vebe consistency > 60) that can hinder bond strength in the interfacial transition zone with the matrix. This was more accentuated in the saw-cut samples from the paved CCP as the paving process in the field did not provide enough compaction. As for the size of slabs, results showed that the size of CCP slabs was more effective in the curling and warping measurements. The slab with longer length (15 ft) showed higher variations in curing and warping along the diagonal, transverse and longitudinal lengths over time. Therefore, the use of fibers in CCP can be recommended provided that the CCP mixture has adequate workability and sufficient compaction energy applied during construction. | Kamal H. Khayat, Nima Farzadnia, Ahmed Abdelrazik |
| Development of a Test to Measure Concrete Permeability Admixture Effectiveness | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/development-of-a-test-to-measure-concrete-permeability-admixture-effectiveness/ | Admixtures, Chloride content, Permeability, Pozzolan, Test procedures | The research objective of this project is to determine appropriate test method(s) to measure the chloride penetration resistance of concrete containing PRAs and applicable acceptance criteria for use in Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) construction projects. Acceptable and relative performance of PRAs will be evaluated through comparison with the performance of a concrete mixture containing pozzolans that meets current mixture design requirements described in FDOT specification Table 346-2 and Table 346-3. | Ronald Simmons, Kyle Riding | ||
| 12/14/24 | December 2024 | NEXTGEN Concrete – Tests of the Future: Chloride and Sulfate Durability | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/nextgen-concrete-tests-of-the-future-chloride-and-sulfate-durability/ | Chlorides, Concrete, Electrochemical processes, Materials tests, Mix design, Protection against environmental damage, Sulfate resisting cement | The two objectives of this project are the following: (1) To investigate and recommend the appropriate thresholds to use for Bulk (TP 119) and Surface (T 358) Resistivity for a concrete mix designed for an extremely aggressive chloride environment. (2) To investigate and recommend the appropriate thresholds to use for a Rapid Sulfate Electrochemical Test for a concrete mix designed for an extremely aggressive sulfate environment. | Tim Ruelke, Dan Su |
| 05/31/24 | May 2024 | NEXTGEN Concrete – Tests of the Future: Shrinkage | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/nextgen-concrete-tests-of-the-future-shrinkage/ | Bridge decks, Concrete, Materials tests, Mix design, Shrinkage, Testing equipment | The objectives of this project are the following: (1) Design and fabricate the most advantageous test apparatus that will accommodate concrete with #57 while adapting to AASHTO T334. (2) Define the dimensions and specifications for the new test apparatus. (3) Create the resulting Florida Test Method. (4) Use the new apparatus to assess FDOT approved mix designs over the spectrum of shrinkage risk. (5) Develop a shrinkage profile analysis protocol or recommend commercially available software. (6) Develop an FDOT calibration/baseline mix recipe for use by all in a “comparative” approach and the shrinkage profile of a proposed mix compared to the baseline mix. (7) Set preliminary threshold for bridge deck concrete exclusion based on the results of the developed analysis protocol. | Tim Ruelke, Christopher Ferraro |
| 03/31/26 | March 2026 | Use of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites for Bridge Repairs in Montana | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/use-of-fiber-reinforced-polymer-composites-for-bridge-repairs-in-montana/ | Bridges, Feasibility analysis, Fiber reinforced polymers, Repairing | New methodologies are needed for repairing and strengthening the aging and failing transportation infrastructure. The use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites for repair has gained popularity over the last decade as these methods have been shown to be affordable, effective, and easy to implement. FRPs in general offer several key advantages over conventional building materials. Specifically, they have high strength to weight ratios, have increased durability and corrosion resistance, and are generally “greener” than conventional materials in terms of embodied energy. FRPs are composed of either thermoset or thermoplastic resins reinforced with (usually) glass or carbon fibers, GFRP and CFRP, respectively. FRPs can be used for strengthening in several forms, such as near-surface mounted (NSM) bars and externally applied wrapping. The use of FRPs as a repair method for bridges has been investigated by several state departments of transportation in recent years. For example, FRPs have been used to restore the original flexural strength of damaged reinforced concrete bridge girders, strengthen simple-span reinforced concrete slab bridges, and seismically retrofit bridge columns. It should also be noted that Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) has used externally bonded FRPs with mixed results. The primary objective of the research is to investigate and help implement the use of FRPs to enhance the performance of Montana bridges. Specifically, the research will (1) conduct an updated and thorough literature review to investigate the feasibility of using FRPs in various bridge applications in Montana, (2) identify the most promising applications of this technology for use in the state, (3) fill any minor research gaps with laboratory testing that may affect/limit the successful application in Montana’s unique climate, (4) assist in implementing the application(s) of this material in a bridge demonstration project in the state, and (5) monitor the performance of this bridge after the demonstration project. FRP composites could provide a viable solution to the repair/strengthening needs of Montana’s aging infrastructure. This research will provide the necessary step to capitalizing on the inherent benefits of these composites. | Vaneza Callejas, Kirsten Matteson, Michael Berry |
| 06/10/23 | June 2023 | Assessment of Urban Heat Island in the Phoenix Metropolitan Region | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/assessment-of-urban-heat-island-in-the-phoenix-metropolitan-region/ | Evaluation and assessment, Human beings, Metropolitan areas, Temperature, Urban areas | William Stone | |
| Durability of Concrete Using Low Slag Cement Contents | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/durability-of-concrete-using-low-slag-cement-contents/ | Compressive strength, Corrosion resistance, Durability, Mix design, Slag cement, Test procedures | This study will identify what quantities of slag cement less than 50% will provide both long-term durability and the required compressive strength. It will also identify if the reduced slag cement percentages can be used for all environmental conditions or with certain restrictions based on sulfate/chloride resistance results. Lastly, it will identify a short-term qualification procedure/test methods to expedite approvals of these concrete mix designs. | Frank Thomas, Kyle Riding | ||
| 03/31/23 | March 2023 | Establish Policies and Procedures for Use of Subgrade Stabilization in Michigan | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/establish-policies-and-procedures-for-use-of-subgrade-stabilization-in-michigan/ | Cost effectiveness, Drainage, Pavement performance, Soil stabilization, Subgrade (Pavements) | MDOT has, on occasion, stabilized the subgrade as part of a pavement reconstruction project. These have generally been in situations where it was more cost-effective than undercutting the subgrade, or when building a longer life pavement. MDOT would like to explore the use of subgrade stabilization more often. Projects where subgrade stabilization has been used appear to be performing very well. However, MDOT does not have any criteria for when/where subgrade stabilization would be a cost-effective choice to improve the performance of the constructed pavement. Where it has been used, special provisions outline the mix design process and testing protocol, but is this the optimum methodology? Multiple versions of these specifications with different allowable stabilization agents, acceptance methods and testing requirements have been used. These need to be unified. Traditionally, fine-grained soils have been viewed as candidates for stabilization due to their lower support characteristics and high loss of modulus in moist conditions. There has been some interest in exploring stabilization of coarse-grained soils to see if pavement performance can be increased. However, does the potential loss of drainage through the subgrade outweigh the potential increase in support? The work completed and documented in research report RC-1635, “Performance Evaluation of Subgrade Stabilization with Recycled Materials” started some of this analysis. This project will use the information from this previous project to create policies for when stabilization of the subgrade can be used, what the construction procedures should be, and finalize inputs used in the pavement design process. | Nishantha Bandara |
| 07/31/24 | July 2024 | SPR-4724: Detection and Assessment of Sulfates in the Pavement Subgrade | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/spr-4724-detection-and-assessment-of-sulfates-in-the-pavement-subgrade/ | Costs, Detection and identification, Liming of soils, Soils, Subgrade (Pavements), Sulfates | The aim of the project is to determine whether detection of sulfates in lime-treated subgrade soils that have been in service for a number of years is the result of false positives from test ITM 510. Detection of sulfates in lime-treated soils is problematic because it requires removal of the soils. This is a costly outcome, given that the subgrade soils have been in service for a number of years and the pavement may not have shown signs of distress. The problem is becoming significant given the number of maintenance and rehabilitation projects that are ongoing or planned. | Antonio Bobet, Marika Santagata |
| 12/31/22 | December 2022 | Develop a Study of Geosynthetic (Geogrid and Woven Geotextile) Materials for Use in Reducing Pavement Section Thickness (NDOT 227-21-803) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/develop-a-study-of-geosynthetic-geogrid-and-woven-geotextile-materials-for-use-in-reducing-pavement-section-thickness-ndot-227-21-803/ | Geogrids, Geosynthetics, Geotextiles, Pavement design, Pavement layers, Thickness | State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) are continuously seeking to increase the value of pavement rehabilitation and maintenance investments by identifying design and construction practices that reduce rehabilitation costs and increase pavement life. DOTs commonly use geosynthetics as filters, separation layers, and subgrade restraint to facilitate construction on weak subgrades. Subgrade restraint is the use of geosynthetic at the subgrade/sub-base or subgrade/base interface. Recently, geosynthetics have been used to reinforce aggregate base courses, which increases the support from the base to the pavement structure. While laboratory studies are informative, prior to making a substantial change in design or construction practices, it is wise to begin validating findings with field studies. The research objective is to develop a study to evaluate and quantify structural benefits from use of geosynthetics placed within or at the bottom of aggregate base layers only under Nevada conditions. This is the first project of a multi-phased project. The primary deliverable is a plan to support a controlled field demonstration, with input regarding design, specifications and standards, all of which will allow for adjustments as needed in the time between the different phases of the overall field study (planning, construction, data collection, and data analysis). | Peter Schmalzer, Lucy Koury, Adam Hand, Elie Hajj, Thomas Van Dam |
| 05/31/24 | May 2024 | Steel-Free Concrete Bridge Decks (3.18) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/steel-free-concrete-bridge-decks-3-18/ | Bridge decks, Composite construction, Composite materials, Concrete bridges, Durability, Fiber reinforced materials, Guidelines | In order to realize a potentially transformational improvement in concrete bridge deck durability, the proposed research program intends to validate a deck design by which little to no conventional reinforcement is required. The design relies on the development of so-called arching action to maintain compressive stresses in the concrete thereby minimizing the risk of cracks that adversely affect long term durability. The project will move the technology forward by both validating the structural parameters by which the arching action is invoked, and by developing a suitable concrete mix reinforced with small non-metallic fibers that will meet the structural and long-term durability requirements. The outcome of the project will be a set of guidelines by which a field demonstration project can be developed. | Denise Dunn, Eric Landis, Bill Davids |
| 12/31/22 | December 2022 | CCTRP 20-03: Protection Against Corrosion of Steel in Concrete Using Epoxy/LDH Coatings | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/cctrp-20-03-protection-against-corrosion-of-steel-in-concrete-using-epoxy-ldh-coatings/ | Chlorides, Concrete structures, Corrosion protection, Electrochemical corrosion, Epoxy coatings, Hydroxides, Reinforced concrete, steel | Chloride-induced corrosion of steel is one of the most critical causes for the deterioration of reinforced concrete structures. This corrosion severely impacts the durability and service life of the reinforced concrete structures. In salt-contaminated environments, chloride ions diffuse into the concrete surrounding the steel reinforcement and act as a catalyst (rather than as a direct reactant) to promote corrosion of the steel. The corrosion of steel reinforcement is an electrochemical process and consists of two half-cell reactions. Both the anodic and cathodic areas are located on the steel surface. As a typical physical protection approach, the purpose of epoxy coating is to block the penetration of water (chloride is typically transported via water) and oxygen, two of the most critical compounds inducing corrosion. The barrier properties of epoxy coating against water and oxygen are decent but not ideal. Consequently, in the past few decades, numerous attempts have been made to improve the barrier properties of epoxy coatings. While some progress has been achieved, it is not sufficient to meet the demanding requirements for long-term protection of steel in concrete. Additionally, various chemical protection strategies have been developed and shown to be effective, but their complexity and expense militate against their displacement of the well-accepted epoxy coating method. In this research, the study team aims to seamlessly integrate both physical and chemical protection strategies into epoxy coating, the most widely adopted method to mitigate the corrosion of steel reinforcement, so that the developed technology can show superior corrosion protection over currently available strategies and have a relatively high chance to be commercialized. | Melanie Zimyeski, Luyi Sun, Montgomery Shaw |
| 12/31/24 | December 2024 | Predicting Resilience and Reducing Failure of SCMs to Extreme Storm Events | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/predicting-resilience-and-reducing-failure-of-scms-to-extreme-storm-events/ | Drainage structures, Failure, Runoff, Storms, Water quality management | The state of North Carolina has been struck by several extreme rainfall events over the past few years, which have caused failures in stormwater infrastructure (including but not limited to Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) regulated under the Department’s NPDES stormwater permits (NCS000250)). While SCMs are designed to treat runoff, their principal focus has been treating moderately sized rain storms. How these SCMs fared during larger events, and the restorative maintenance efforts associated with SCM damage is a significant concern for North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). The Department has a substantial investment in stormwater management assets with over 1900 SCMs having been constructed to treat runoff from roadways, bridges, rest areas, and maintenance yards across the state. Moreover downstream stormwater infrastructure is protected by SCMs (e.g., swales and other conveyance channels). Fortunately, NCDOT has conducted quantitative monitoring of several of these SCMs installed as part of its NPDES permit-required Retrofit Program. NCDOT would benefit understanding at what storm size do typically designed SCMs no longer provided hydrologic mitigation. At what point do SCMs likely fail with significant structural degradation (both to the SCM and downstream) that would lead to costly reconstructive repair? Moreover, are there simple retrofits to existing SCMs (or design features for to-be-built SCMs) that can enhance or extend hydrologic mitigation and reduce the chances of failure? | John Kirby, William Hunt III |
| 07/31/25 | July 2025 | RES2023-11: The Effect of Extreme Climate Shifts to Pavement Infrastructure in Tennessee | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/res2023-11-the-effect-of-extreme-climate-shifts-to-pavement-infrastructure-in-tennessee/ | Climate change, Forecasting, Pavement maintenance, Pavements | While climate change manifestations such as extreme rains are considered a global phenomenon, its impacts tend to be regional and local as evident from recent hurricanes and tornadoes. Building transportation departments’ institutional capacity is the key to the management of adverse climate change effects. Much of the capacity lies within planning and design through operation and maintenance of the infrastructure. To quantify needed capacity building, state departments of transportation (DOTs) should establish the status of present infrastructure against the current climate and predict the status of a future infrastructure for projected climate change. The study will implement big-data analytics combined with machine learning approaches to quantify the current and future status of the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) infrastructure to provide short-term and long-term planning for the department capacity building with specific focus on pavement infrastructure. | Mbakisya Onyango |
| 07/31/23 | July 2023 | RES2023-13: Chemical Stabilization of Pavement Subgrade | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/res2023-13-chemical-stabilization-of-pavement-subgrade/ | Soil stabilization, Subgrade (Pavements) | Roadway alignments are typically dictated by constraints other than the existing conditions. For reason, the design of the roadbed and pavement section must accommodate the conditions at each site even when poor, low strength soils are present in the subgrade. Tennessee Department of Transportation's (TDOT’s) current practice in these situations has been to either remove low quality materials or design a thicker pavement section, both at substantial cost to the state and its residents. Chemical stabilization is often a cost-effective alternative to either of these approaches and should be considered on more TDOT projects. TDOT’s usage and experience with stabilization has declined with time. In order to reverse this trend, TDOT needs to gain knowledge and experience with all aspects of the chemical stabilization process from exploratory and laboratory testing through design to construction. | Daniel R. VandenBerge |
| 01/31/24 | January 2024 | RES2023-16: Optimized Aggregate Gradations for Concrete Mixture Designs | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/res2023-16-optimized-aggregate-gradations-for-concrete-mixture-designs/ | Tennessee is part of the performance-engineered concrete mixtures initiative, led by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), aiming to improve the durability, economy, and sustainability of the concrete infrastructure using both prescriptive and performance specification provisions and emerging technologies. The Performance Engineered Mixtures (PEM) addresses concrete pavements durability and performance issues rather than designing and accepting concrete primarily on strength. Tennessee does not currently have procedures and/or specification requirements that fully support the use of optimized gradations in concrete. The current prescriptive specifications adapted by Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and many state departments of transportation (DOTs) and agencies may preclude the acceptance of mixtures that have superior economy, durability, sustainability, and satisfactory mechanical performance. Thus, it is urgent to create new procedures to allow producers creating more durable and equal and/or higher strength concrete mixtures through optimizing aggregate gradation. | Zhongguo Ma | |
| 06/30/24 | June 2024 | SPR-2305: Connecticut Advanced Pavement Laboratory (CAP Lab) | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/spr-2305-connecticut-advanced-pavement-laboratory-cap-lab/ | Asphalt pavements, Laboratories | The Connecticut Advanced Pavement Lab (CAP Lab) is a laboratory specializing in transportation construction materials, but particularly asphalt pavement and is located at the University of Connecticut. The CAP Lab supports the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) research activities and initiatives with regard to pavements including new products and techniques. The CAP Lab acts as an independent agent between CTDOT and the asphalt industry with regard to the performance of materials, and provides an objective review of issues, as requested. The CAP Lab also provides technical expertise to CTDOT when problems arise with existing pavements. | Melanie Zimyeski, James Mahoney |
| 03/31/24 | February 2024 | SPR-4714: Use of Machine Learning Methods to Obtain a Reliable Predictive Model for Resilient Modulus of Subgrade Soil | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/spr-4714-use-of-machine-learning-methods-to-obtain-a-reliable-predictive-model-for-resilient-modulus-of-subgrade-soil/ | Machine learning, Modulus of resilience, Soils, Subgrade (Pavements) | This research will use machine learning to develop/train data model(s) for predicting the resilient modulus of soil in the state of Indiana. The developed model(s) will reduce the need for routine iterative laboratory testing conducted for obtaining the resilient modulus of soil, which is complicated, resource intensive, time consuming, and expensive. In addition, based on the developed model(s), recommendations will be provided for future sampling locations. | Sara Khoshnevisan, Medhi Norouzi |
| VKelly Slipform Paving Vibration Test | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/vkelly-slipform-paving-vibration-test/ | Portable equipment, Slip form paving, Vibration tests, Workability | The aim of the work is threefold: (1) Make the test more user friendly and portable; (2) Understand the science behind the method to guide mixture proportioning and field operations based on test results; (3) Broaden the applicability to include structural and pumping mixtures. The long-term vision of this work is to develop an understanding of how mixtures can be proportioned that are relatively insensitive to vibration abuse or are ideal for the vibration system planned for use on a given site. In addition, it is desirable that a real-time test be available on a site so that as a mixture is delivered, it can be tested for workability variances due to batching or transport, thus providing the operator with guidance on how to tune the placing equipment for a truckload for a given workability. Data can also be provided to the batch plant to guide proportions for the next truck to maintain uniformity. At present, the output from the method is a so-called VKelly Index that has been tested in the field to assess upper and lower limits for slipform paving. Initial laboratory test data using a smart vibrator that also reports the voltage required to maintain a constant vibration frequency also indicates the potential to assess a number of other mixture properties. Based on this information there is a need to fully understand the mixture and equipment factors that influence the rate at which the ball sinks under vibration and how it can be used to guide mixture proportioning and construction processes. | Khyle Clute | ||
| 12/31/22 | December 2022 | UHPC Mixture Design for Accelerated Bridge Construction | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/uhpc-mixture-design-for-accelerated-bridge-construction/ | Accelerated bridge construction, Girders, Mechanical properties, Mix design, Precast concrete, Shrinkage, Ultra high performance concrete | Engineers at the Kansas Department of Transportation aim to use accelerated bridge construction (ABC) techniques on a bridge currently scheduled for construction in 2022. This approach to construction results in a need for long and narrow closure strips between adjacent precast girders. The concrete used for these closure strips must (1) be strong enough to allow short (e.g. 6 in.) reinforcement lap splices, (2) gain strength rapidly to allow the new bridge to open days after the last concrete placement, and (3) exhibit relatively little shrinkage to limit crack widths along the joint between the closure strips and precast members. Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is a class of materials suitable for this application; UHPC has high compressive and tensile strengths and gains strength rapidly, satisfying two of the three criteria listed above. However, UHPC is also typically sourced from vendors that consider the mixture design proprietary. Some UHPC mixtures also exhibit significant shrinkage, rendering some mixtures unsuitable for the intended purpose of this project. There is a need for a non-proprietary UHPC mixture design that exhibits relatively little shrinkage for use in upcoming KDOT projects. The scope of this project includes trial-batching non-proprietary UHPC mixture designs reported by others (making modifications as necessary), experimenting with methods for reducing shrinkage, measuring fresh-state properties to ensure workability, measuring the mechanical properties of hardened concrete (including the rate of strength gain and the tensile and compressive strengths), and delivering final mixture design recommendations by early summer 2021. | Remy Lequesne |
| 12/31/22 | December 2022 | CCTRP 20-03: Protection Against Corrosion of Steel in Concrete Using Epoxy/LDH Coatings | https://cptechcenter.org/ncc-projects/cctrp-20-03-protection-against-corrosion-of-steel-in-concrete-using-epoxy-ldh-coatings-2/ | Chlorides, Concrete structures, Corrosion protection, Electrochemical corrosion, Epoxy coatings, Hydroxides, Reinforced concrete, steel | Chloride-induced corrosion of steel is one of the most critical causes for the deterioration of reinforced concrete structures. This corrosion severely impacts the durability and service life of the reinforced concrete structures. In salt-contaminated environments, chloride ions diffuse into the concrete surrounding the steel reinforcement and act as a catalyst (rather than as a direct reactant) to promote corrosion of the steel. The corrosion of steel reinforcement is an electrochemical process and consists of two half-cell reactions. Both the anodi |