Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) Data Analysis Support: National Pooled Fund study TPF-5(013) - Effects of Multiple Freeze Cycles and Deep Frost Penetration on Pavement Performance and Cost

The objectives of this study are to: (1) quantify effects of frost penetration on pavement performance in climates with deep sustained frost as compared to environments with multiple freeze-thaw cycles, (2) investigate the effect that local adaptations have on mitigating frost penetration damage, and (3) estimate the associated cost of constructing and maintaining pavements in freezing climates. The approach consisted of modeling various pavement performance measures using both climatic and nonclimatic input variables and performance data collected as part of the Long-Term Pavement Performance program. Five climatic scenarios are defined in terms of climatic input variables for the models. Predicted performance measures are presented for each of the climatic scenarios and compared at a 95% confidence interval to determine statistically significant performance differences. Participating pooled fund States (PFS) were queried as to standard specifications, standard designs, average life expectancies, and construction costs specific to each State Highway Agency (SHA). This data along with information acquired through literature review of SHA standard practices is summarized with consideration given to the mitigation of frost-related damage. Life cycle cost analysis for each climatic scenario using predicted performance to determine average life and average agency construction costs for standard pavement sections is also discussed and compared. The use of the performance models for local calibration as required in the National Cooperative Highway Research Program Guide for Mechanistic-Empirical Design of New and Rehabilitated Pavement Structures is explored along with the possible application of the performance models in pavement management systems.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/pavements/ltpp/06121/06121.pdf
• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/792
• Corporate Authors:

  Nichols Consulting Engineers, Chartered

  1885 South Arlington Avenue, Suite 111
  Reno, NV  United States  89509

  Federal Highway Administration

  Office of Infrastructure Research and Development
  6300 Georgetown Pike
  McLean, VA  United States  22101
• Authors:
  • Jackson, N
  • Puccinelli, J
• Publication Date: 2006-11

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 262p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Climate; Costs; Data analysis; Freeze thaw durability; Frost; Frost damage; Life cycle analysis; Life cycle costing; Pavement design; Pavement maintenance; Pavement management systems; Pavement performance; Paving; Pooled funds; Specifications; State highway departments
• Identifier Terms: Long-Term Pavement Performance Program; Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide
• Uncontrolled Terms: Freeze thaw cycles; Mitigation
• Subject Areas: Design; Finance; Highways; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01042475
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-HRT-06-121, 123210-8
• Contract Numbers: DTFH61-02-D-00139 (Grant)
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Mar 1 2007 8:38AM