SWUTC Research Project Description
Title of Project: Performance of Permeable Friction Course (PFC) Pavements Over Time
Project Number: 0-5836
Principal Investigator:
Amy Epps Martin
(979) 862-1750
P.I. Affiliation: Texas A&M University
a-eppsmartin@tamu.edu
Project Monitor:
Robert Lee
Texas Department of Transportation
(512) 506-5939
rlee@dot.state.tx.us
Project Status: Active
Date Started: 9/1/08
Estimation Completion Date: 8/31/12
Estimated Cost - Current Fiscal: $100,854
Estimated Cost - Total Planned: $422,521
Project Summary:
Project Abstract:
Recent TxDOT Projects 0-5262, 0-5185, and 0-4834 addressed important design, construction, and maintenance issues associated with permeable friction courses (PFC) that have been increasingly utilized by TxDOT over the past several years based on safety and environmental benefits. To complete the evaluation of this relatively new hot mix asphalt concrete (HMAC) mixture type as a possible solution for pavement maintenance and rehabilitation, performance must be tracked over time to assess benefits, costs, and changes in benefits.
The proposed project will address this need by developing a database of PFC performance in terms of functionality (noise, permeability), durability (resistance to raveling and possibly rutting and cracking), and safety (skid resistance and accident history). Field performance of sections from both previous TxDOT projects and new construction will be monitored non-destructively at regular intervals using ground penetrating radar (GPR), noise measurement equipment, the Tex-246-F Field Water Flow Test, TxDOT skid trailers, circular texture meters (CTMeter), and the Dynamic Friction Tester (DFT). As performance problems are identified, cores will be taken and further laboratory evaluation will be completed. Results from analyses of multi-year performance data and previous research will be used to produce guidelines for design, construction, and maintenance of PFC.
Project Objectives:
The objective of the proposed research project is to develop a database of PFC performance in terms of functionality (noise, permeability), durability (resistance to raveling and possibly rutting and cracking), and safety (skid resistance and accident history). Results from analyses of multi-year performance data and previous research will be used to produce guidelines for design, construction, and maintenance of PFC.
Task Descriptions:
To develop a PFC performance database and associated design, construction, and maintenance guidelines; a work plan with six tasks is proposed. Many of the following tasks described in this section will be completed in parallel to meet the overall project objectives, and technical memorandums to the Project Director (PD) will be provided for all non-deliverables tasks:
Task 1. Meet with TxDOT Project Personnel
Task 2. Conduct Information Search
Task 3. Design Experiments
Task 4. Track and Evaluate Field Performance and Benefit/Cost
Task 5. Develop PFC Performance Database and Associated Guidelines
Task 6. Document Findings and Recommendations
Index Terms:
Friction course, Permeability, Pavement design, Asphalt concrete pavements, Hot mix paving mixtures, Pavement performance, Road construction, Research projects, Texas