SWUTC Research Project Description
Collection of Materials and Performance Data for Texas Flexible Pavement and Overlays
University: Texas A&M University
Principal Investigator:
Lubinda Walubita
Texas Transportation Institute
(979) 862-3356
Funding Source: SPR Program
Total Project Cost: $370,831
Project Number: 0-6658
Date Started: 9/1/12
Estimated Completion Date: 8/31/13
Project Summary
Project Abstract:
The primary objective of this project is to collect materials and pavement performance data on a minimum of a 100 highway test sections around the State of Texas. As well as being used to calibrate and validate mechanistic-empirical (M-E) design models, the data will also serve as an ongoing reference data source and/or diagnostic tool for TxDOT engineers and other transportation professionals. Some of the M-E models to be calibrated under this research project include the Flexible Pavement Design System (FPS) design procedure, the Texas M-E (Tx-ME), the Texas Overlay design system, and the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG).
Project Objectives:
The scope of work to accomplish these objectives will include the following activities:
- Selection of field test sections across the State.
- Extensive laboratory and field testing.
- Literature review of M-E models and evaluation of existing databases.
- M-E model calibration and validation.
- Demonstration workshop of the data collected.
A plan for data collection and material testing (lab and field), a plan for data analysis, and a plan for model calibration will be developed during the first months of this research project and, after TxDOT approval, will be implemented by the research team. A minimum of 100 sections (representing different pavement types, material types, climatic regions, traffic levels, and ages [new and old]) will be targeted.
Task Descriptions:
Task 1: Literature Search and Project Kick-Off Meeting
Task 2: Review of the M-E Models and the Data Requirements
Task 3: Review and Analysis of Existing Databases
Task 4: Development of Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting Plans
Task 5: Selection of Field Test Sections
Task 6: Project Meeting with TxDOT on Tasks 4 and 5
Task 7: Pilot and Prototype Data Demonstration
Task 8: Data Collection Including Lab and Field Testing
Task 9: Data Analysis
Task 10: Data Population and Updates
Task 11: Evaluation of the Data Storage Repository and Reporting Format
Task 12: Calibration Plans and Data Analysis for the M-E Models
Task 13: Calibration and Validation of the M-E Models
Task 14: Project Meeting with TxDOT on Tasks 12 and 13
Task 15: Demonstration Workshop for the Data
Task 16: Report Writing
Implementation of Research Outcomes:
This five-year project was initiated to collect materials and pavement performance data on a minimum of 100 highway test sections around the State of Texas, incorporating both flexible pavements and overlays. Besides being used to calibrate and validate mechanistic-empirical (M-E) design models, the data collected will also serve as an ongoing reference data source and/or diagnostic tool for TxDOT engineers and other transportation professionals.
Towards this goal, this interim report provides a documentation of the work completed in Year 1 of the project including the following: 1) literature review; 2) development of data collection and analysis plans, and 3) field test sections. The MS Access Data Storage System, used for storing and accessing the collected data, is also discussed in this interim report.
Impacts/Benefits of Implementation:
Completed during the first year were the following:
• Data search and literature review of M-E Structural Design Systems and existing databases.
• Development of data collection, analysis, and reporting plans.
• Selection of field test sections. To date, up to 35 highway sections have been identified incorporating perpetual pavements, overlays, and new construction projects.
• Laboratory testing of asphalt-binders, HMA mixes, base material, and subgrade soils. Testing of these materials has been completed on a minimum of two test sections at the time of this report.
• Field testing including NDT and forensics on at least two test sections.
• Traffic and climatic data collection on at least two test sections.
• Development of a pilot data storage system in MS Access 2007. To date, the TTI MS Access Data Storage System contains over 10 test sections.
Web Links:
Final Technical Report