Under GDOT RP 18-05, our team has developed UGA-PAVE, an FWD backcalculation software that can reconstruct the dynamic modulus mastercurves of flexible pavements. FWD testing was conducted along several GA state routes, and the backcalculated |E*| curves are used to determine new layer coefficients for HMA.
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Co-PI(s): Stephan A. Durham, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE Jidong Yang, Ph.D., P.E.
Institution(s): The University of Georgia
Abstract
The Mechanistic-Empirical (ME) pavement design requires high-dimensional traffic feature inputs, including Vehicle Class Distributions (VCD), Monthly Distribution Factors (MDF), Hourly Distribution Factors (HDF), and Normalized Axles Load Spectra (NALS). In simplifying the pavement ME design practice, Truck Traffic Classification (TTC) groups are commonly used for characterized traffic inputs. Thus, properly defining TTC groups is critical for state-specific pavement ME design practice. In this study, the truck traffic data from the existing Weight-in-Motion (WIM) stations were utilized to develop specific TTC groups for efficient pavement ME design practice in Georgia. A data analytics procedure was developed by leveraging Machine Learning (ML) techniques to first reduce the high-dimensional traffic features by Principal Component Analysis (PCA), followed by K-means clustering method to identify appropriate TTC groups. The effectiveness of the derived TTC groups was verified by application of pavement ME design software with characterized traffic inputs.
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STRUCTURAL TESTING OF NON-PROPRIETARY UHPC FOR CLOSURE POURS BETWEEN PRECAST BRDIGE DECK PANELS
PI: Lixrine Ngeme
Co-PI(s):
Institution(s): Georgia Institute of Technology
Abstract
Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), is an innovative material that may be used in tandem with prefabricated bridge elements and systems (PBES). The material is characterized by an extremely high compressive strength and a usable tensile strength that allows for more optimized structural elements. However, the prohibitively high cost of proprietary UHPC mixes has slowed the adoption of the material to be widely used throughout the state of Georgia. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) seeks to solve this issue by investigating the feasibility of using locally and more affordable cementitious materials in developing a non-proprietary UHPC. In response, researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a non-proprietary mix that replaces expensive cementitious materials with more available and affordable constituents.
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FULL DEPTH PAVEMENT RECLAMATION: PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BEST PERFORMANCE
PI: Jayhyun Kwon
Co-PI(s): Youngguk Seo, Adam Kaplan, and Jidong Yang
Institution(s): Kennesaw State University
Abstract
This study investigates the influence of the variability in the FDR base layer stiffness on pavement performance. A series of field and laboratory tests were performed on a pavement reconstruction project in Georgia to assess variability. Tests included Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) tests and deflection tests with a Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) and Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD). Mechanistic sensitivity analyses were performed based on the field and laboratory test results to investigate the effect of variability in FDR properties on pavement performance. The results indicate both the FDR base thickness and strength have a significant influence on the predicted pavement responses. Findings presented here will be of interest to pavement engineers involved in the design and performance modeling of FDR pavement.
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EVALUATION OF BRINE IMPACT ON PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE (TASK 4)
PI: Youngguk Seo
Co-PI(s):
Institution(s): Kennesaw State University
Abstract
This study presents a series of laboratory tests illustrating a long-term damage evolution in concrete saturated with brine at air temperatures. Six brine blends of CaCl2 and NaCl are formulated to test different chloride concentration levels. Multiple concrete batches are prepared to fabricate samples (4-in by 8-in cylinders) with two fly ash types (C and F) and a wide range of air contents (2.0% to 15.0%). The damage potential of concrete samples is tracked with surface resistivity measurements and compared with the results (relative dynamic modulus and weight loss of concrete) of the standard F-T tests to propose a range of optimum chloride concentrations that are less damaging to concrete pavements while offering the best melting performance.
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HIGHWAY STORMWATER RUNOFF ON-SITE TREATMENT USING BIOSLOPE WITH NEW MEDIA OF BIOCHAR AMENDED TOPSOILS
PI: George Fu
Co-PI(s):
Institution(s): Georgia Southern University
Abstract
Biochar is typically fabricated from wood biomass, which is readily available and cheaper to obtain in Georgia. This study explored a new media of mixture of biochar and topsoil for bioslope. In this study, four (4) topsoil series (Tifton, Cecil, Pacolet, and Cowarts) were sampled across Georgia, analyzed, and amended with 5, 7, and 10% (weight percent, wt %) biochar to treat highway stormwater runoff through infiltration. Three (3) biochar products from the established manufacturers were selected and screened based on their properties and treatment efficiencies. By utilizing biochar amended topsoil as a new bioslope media, the removal performances exceeded 80% for TSS, total dissolved solids (TDS), total solids (TS), and 60% for oil and grease, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), total nitrogen (TN), and phosphorus with only 5% biochar amendment to the topsoils. For a three (3) yd3 installation volume, 5% biochar amended topsoil was 60% less costly in terms of materials than the current GDOT engineered topsoil for bioslope. Bioslope of biochar amended topsoil will minimize the material cost in construction while providing a green and sustainable alternative compared to the current GDOT bioslope.
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