Accurate and timely moisture measurement of earthwork during compaction of foundation layers is crucial to proper construction and long-term durability of the pavement structures. Since the traditional methods for measuring moisture are point specific, expensive and/or time consuming. None of the existing methods have been able to deliver real-time, continuous moisture measurements that would aid engineers in delivering more durable pavement structures.
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Effect of Low and Moderate Recycled Concrete Aggregate Replacement Levels on Concrete Properties
As the demand for aggregate in construction increases, recycling concrete waste as aggregate has been recognized as an environmentally sustainable solution with potential cost savings. It would allow recycling of construction and demolition waste and reduce some of the need to quarry and haul virgin aggregate. However, the use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) has been limited by concerns over its quality and performance, and by lack of uniform specifications as to what kind and how much of the aggregate to use in pavement construction. Studies and on-the-ground experience have shown that high levels of RCA reduce the durability of pavements. The effects of lower replacement levels have not been well documented, however.
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New Project: Development of Process to Lower Global Warming Potential of Construction Materials
Advances in science of life cycle assessment (LCA) have set the stage to develop methods that meet global warming potential (GWP) reduction targets for construction materials, specifically, using instruments such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPD).
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Comparing the Cost-Effectiveness of Asphalt Binders for Local Roads
Asphalt pavements with polymer-modified binders (PMBs) perform better than pavements with unmodified asphalt binders. While pavements with PMBs may cost more initially, performance is improved in the long run. In a recent study, researchers compared the performance and life cycle costs of modified and unmodified binders and found that modified binders are more cost-effective, even for local low-volume roads.
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New Project: Mitigating Tenting of Transverse Cracks and Joints in Asphalt Pavement
More than 60% of Minnesota’s roadways consists of asphalt pavement. When transverse cracks occur in asphalt, our frigid winters can cause a secondary distress known as pavement tenting, crack heaving, or lipping. As ice accumulates in the base materials underneath, it causes pavement on both sides of the transverse cracks and joints to heave.
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Comparing Additives Used in Stabilized Full-Depth Reclamation
Beltrami and Hubbard counties planned pavement rehabilitation on a shared road, presenting a unique opportunity to directly compare two stabilizers: engineered emulsion and Base One, a proprietary mix. While there were some variations in performance and cost, both met design values for pavement strength.
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Putting Research Into Practice: Fog Sealing Chip Sealed Roads Can Improve Performance
Applying a protective surface—or chip seal—to existing asphalt on relatively low-traffic roads is a pavement preservation method used by many transportation agencies. Yet despite its popularity, chip seals can cause various issues. Some agencies have found that applying a fog seal following a chip seal is a cost-effective strategy for improving asphalt performance and public satisfaction.
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Fiber-Reinforced Concrete’s Potential as a Performance Engineered Mixture
Reinforcing concrete pavement with structural fibers improves its durability and helps protect against potential faulting and cracking. MnDOT has used fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) on some concrete bridge decks and pavements. Winter weather, freeze-thaw cycles and road salt, however, still hasten concrete deterioration. In a recent study, researchers evaluated FRC in the context of performance engineered mix design methods, giving MnDOT confidence in the parameters that FRC needs to meet to help withstand Minnesota’s harsh weather.
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Improving Asphalt Performance and Durability With Superpave 5
Minnesota’s harsh climate requires dense, durable asphalt to avoid frequent maintenance and replacement. Asphalt mixes as designed in the laboratory, however, don’t always perform consistently in the field. A new Superpave mix shows promise for providing cost-effective, high-performing pavements for state roadways.
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Research Pays Off Webinar Series: Intelligent Compaction Technology as a Service and for Compliance
The National Road Research Alliance (NRRA) is hosting “Intelligent Compaction Technology as a Service and for Compliance – How ICT Research has led to the Removal of Technicians from Construction Sites in the UK” on July 19 at 10 a.m. CST, presented by Ruairi Charlesworth of Highway Data Systems.
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