Design and Instrumentation of the Structural Pavement Experiment at the NCAT Test Track

A structural experiment at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) test track was warranted to advance mechanistic-empirically based (M-E) design and analysis. The objectives of the structural experiment at the NCAT test track are as follows: 1. Validate mechanistic pavement models. 2. Develop transfer functions for typical asphalt mixtures and pavement cross-sections. 3. Study dynamic effects on pavement deterioration from a mechanistic viewpoint. 4. Evaluate the effect of thickness and polymer modification on structural performance. To accomplish the objectives enumerated above, eight pavement sections were constructed at the NCAT test track. These sections varied in thickness and material composition. Additionally, each of the sections was instrumented to monitor in situ asphalt strain, compressive stresses in the unbound layers, moisture, and temperature. Throughout the course of the experiment, data will be gathered both in a slow speed manner (i.e., hourly averages) in addition to a high-speed dynamic manner (i.e., 5 kHz) under normal operating speeds. Additionally, routine deflection testing and surface condition surveys will be conducted. These data will serve as the basis of accomplishing the project objectives. This report was written after construction of the test sections, but prior to the sections being fully opened to traffic. It is meant to detail the structural testing plan, instrumentation selection, instrumentation installation and some preliminary analyses that were conducted prior to trafficking.

• Record URL:
  http://www.eng.auburn.edu/research/centers/ncat/files/reports/2004/rep04-01.pdf
• 
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/38610
• Corporate Authors:

  National Center for Asphalt Technology

  Auburn University, 277 Technology Parkway
  Auburn, AL  United States  36830
• Authors:
  • McEwen, Thomas V
  • Priest, Angela L
  • Timm, David H
• Publication Date: 2004-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 89p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt mixtures; Condition surveys; Deflection tests; Deterioration; Empirical methods; Implementation; Installation; Instrumentation; Materials; Mechanistic design; Moisture content; Pavement design; Pavement performance; Polymers; Strain (Mechanics); Structural number (Pavements); Surface course (Pavements); Temperature; Test tracks; Thickness
• Uncontrolled Terms: Compressive stresses; Unbound pavement layers
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; Pavements; Research; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces; I31: Bituminous Binders and Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01000364
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: NCAT Report 04-01
• Files: NTL, TRIS
• Created Date: May 12 2005 11:45AM