MnROAD Research Facility: Three Decades of Collaboration, Studies, Innovation, and Deployments

This article examines the history of the MnROAD research facility near Saint Paul, Minnesota, as well as its technical achievements and collaboration with the Transportation Research Board (TRB), state transportation agencies, pooled fund studies, and more. A broad overview of the many studies conducted at MnROAD over its 30-year history is presented, from concrete overlays to subsurface design and drainage to environmental factors in design and preservation. In addition, the benefits of the three phases of MnROAD studies are examined. Phase I studies, 1994-2006, have saved the state of Minnesota an estimated $33 million per year. Research topics included spring load restriction policy, winter load increase policy, and low-temperature cracking reduction. A significant result of Phase I was the development of ROADENT M-E, a mechanistic–empirical (ME) pavement design software that later evolved into Minnesota’s Pavement Design Program, MnPAVE. Phase II studies, 2007-2016, have saved the State an estimated $10.3 million per year. Research topics included low-temperature cracking in asphalt pavements, development of an open-graded aggregate base, and thin and ultrathin concrete overlays. Phase III research topics, 2016-present, include use of mix-and-spray hot mix asphalt rejuvenators, use of recycled base aggregates, and intelligent construction technology projects.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Features: Photos; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: pp 3-9
  • Serial:
    • TR News
    • Issue Number: 336
    • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
    • ISSN: 0738-6826

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01832141
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
  • Created Date: Dec 30 2021 10:12AM