PCC Surface Characteristics - Construction (MnROAD Study)

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General Information
Solicitation Number: 1046
Former Study Number:
Status: Solicitation withdrawn
Date Posted: Jan 09, 2006
Last Updated: May 18, 2007
Solicitation Expires: Jan 09, 2007
Partners: MN, TX
Lead Organization: Minnesota Department of Transportation
Financial Summary
Suggested Contribution:
Commitment Start Year: 2007
Commitment End Year: 2012
100% SP&R Approval: Pending Approval
Commitments Required: $375,000.00
Commitments Received: $150,000.00
Estimated Duration Month: 60
Waiver Requested: No
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Bernard Izevbekhai
bernard.izevbekhai@state.mn.us
Organization Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name Contact Number Email Address
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2007 $15,000.00 Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2008 $15,000.00 Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2009 $15,000.00 Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2010 $15,000.00 Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2011 $15,000.00 Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Texas Department of Transportation 2007 $15,000.00 Hua Chen Frank Bailey 512- 416-4730 rtimain@txdot.gov
Texas Department of Transportation 2008 $15,000.00 Hua Chen Frank Bailey 512- 416-4730 rtimain@txdot.gov
Texas Department of Transportation 2009 $15,000.00 Hua Chen Frank Bailey 512- 416-4730 rtimain@txdot.gov
Texas Department of Transportation 2010 $15,000.00 Hua Chen Frank Bailey 512- 416-4730 rtimain@txdot.gov
Texas Department of Transportation 2011 $15,000.00 Hua Chen Frank Bailey 512- 416-4730 rtimain@txdot.gov

Background

People desire smooth, quiet, and safe pavements. To encourage smooth pavements, we need to quantify the effects of other important pavement performance parameters on ride. These parameters include texture, noise, and friction. Since Minnesota¿s introduction of the astro-drag we have seen the need to consistently evaluate the pavement finishing technique. So far this technique appears to be an optimization of these 4 parameters but more data and research is required for a conclusive decision. An understanding of the interaction of texture and ride is still very rudimentary. In 2002 the Mn/DOT Concrete Engineering Unit and the Concrete Pavers Association of Minnesota created a test section on TH 212 at Bird Island to study the effects of texture and joints in pavement smoothness. The results showed that profile index was affected by texture and joints. However, data is so far insufficient to define a global correlation between texture values and their effect on ride, and the results obtained for the effects of joints on ride were not conclusive because of unanticipated construction issues. This research item is in harmony with the CPTP track 4 of the CPTP road map. This track seeks better understanding of concrete pavement surface characteristics and provides tools for engineers to help meet pre-determined requirements for ride quality, quietness, safety against hydroplaning and splash/spray, and durability. This constitutes a Type 1 Pavement Surface Characteristic Project that will be the second in the country after the Iowa Highway 30 Project. It may also constitute a Quiet Pavement Pilot Project (QPPP) or a Quiet Pavement Research (QPR) based on FHWA¿s definitions. This project will investigate in greater detail the frequency patterns of the surface types and identify through power spectrum density analysis what frequency regimes account for the noise characteristics of each surface. It will quantify the effects of joints on IRI and quantify the noise attenuation benefit implicit in the use of astro-turf drag. Related studies include: . TPF 962: Pavement Surface Properties Consortium: A Research Program (Virginia) . NCHRP 1-44: Measuring Tire-Pavement Noise at the Source (Illingworth & Rodkin, Inc.) . NCHRP 1-43: Guide for Pavement Friction (ERES) . TPF 956: PCC Surface Characteristics: Tire-Pavement Noise Program Part 3 - Innovative Solutions /Current Practices (Iowa State) . NCHRP 10-67: Texturing of Concrete Pavements (ERES) The TPF 962 study mentioned above is meant to serve mainly the Eastern United States. The research proposed in this work could be seen as a parallel research study for the Upper Midwest. MnROAD provides a unique opportunity to measure surface characteristics of a variety of PCC pavements with various pieces of equipment in a safe and controlled environment. This research also serves as an extension/validation of several of the current NCHRP studies. The findings relating to measuring noise and frictional characteristics could be validated with a field study at MnROAD. The TPF 956 study to date has only built one Type I (new construction) project in the United States. The proposed sections to be built at MnROAD would constitute a second Type I project, with the added benefits of instrumentation and a safe, controlled work environment. The use of power spectrum density analysis to better characterize tire-pavement noise is also a unique feature to this project. Public demand for quiet pavements has grown in the last few years so it would be appropriate that our current construction methods be examined so we are not constructing noisy pavements. Some owners are tining and grinding new pavements. It is hoped that this research will find efficient and effective methods for constructing quiet PCC pavements.

Objectives

Research findings will enable Mn/DOT to specify friction, ride, and texture range of values that will optimize quietness, ride, texture and friction in program delivery. It will reduce the incidence of uncomfortable ride, hydroplaning, and obnoxious whines. The average road user benefits from the results of this study. Research outcomes will facilitate a family of curves and algorithms that will address the optimization for giving good friction, which unfortunately was interpreted by profilometers as pavement roughness as well as noise and friction. We will have a prediction of noise level based on the surface finishing types. The project will provide data for optimization of pavement quietness, friction, texture and ride. We will be in a better position to improve our texture specification if necessary. It will provide a justification or otherwise for the Minnesota astro-drag for which we do not yet have much noise documentation data. It will address the question as to what degree of total noise is generated by tire-pavement interaction. Monitored over time, performance versus time characteristics will be obtained for various finishing types. This pooled fund study is strictly to perform the surface characteristics research on newly built test sections at MnROAD, and its funding will come from Mn/DOT and other participating states. The funding for initial construction of the test sections will be obtained separately from Mn/DOT and other partners.

Scope of Work

Several concrete sections will be constructed at MnROAD in 2007 as part of a large reconstruction effort. Within these new sections Mn/DOT plans to create test sections with the following finishing types: . Bituminous (several different surface types) . Concrete astro-turf drag . Concrete longitudinal tining . Un-textured finish . Diamond grinding . Shot abrader . Longitudinal brooming . Exposed aggregate . Pervious PCC pavement This project is expected to consist of the following tasks: . Work Plan: The work plan for this pooled fund study will be developed by the participating organizations. . General Testing and Monitoring: Monitor the pavement performance over time on the test sections. Monitoring activities will include FWD tests, distress surveys, ride measurements, and analysis of pavement sensor data. . Special Testing & Monitoring: A continuous testing and monitoring program will include: o Profile runs with the single laser LWP on all strips. o Profile runs with the multi laser LWP on all strips. o Profile runs with the Australian Walking Profiler (ARRB WP) on textured and un-textured strips. o Texture measurements at every 5-ft on the textured (each side) and the un-textured strips with circular texture meter. o Friction measurements with the FHWA skid trailer on the textured strips compared to the un-textured strips. o Sound measurements (tire pavement interaction) on the textured and un-textured strips with the NCAT trailer, close proximity measurements, or roadside measurements. . Noise Modeling & Validation: Apply the findings of this study to current noise modeling software (TNM, MINNOISE, etc.). . Pooled Fund Travel: Money for each state to travel to discuss the progress of the study. . Data Analysis & Reports: Work done under a research contract will develop interim and final reports that document the findings of this study.

Comments

Mn/DOT along with other participating states are asked to contribute $15,000 per year for 5 years to fund the research proposed in this pooled fund study. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (as the lead agency) along with other partners will provide approximately $100,000 in construction funding outside of this pooled fund study to construct the pavement test section(s) mindful of certain surface characteristics.

Documents Attached
Title File/Link Document Category Document Type Privacy Document Date Download
PCC Surface Characteristics - Construction (MnROAD Study) http://www.mnroad.dot.state.mn.us/research/Construction/2007mnroad/Mnroad2005.pdf TPF Study Documentation Solicitation Public 2011-09-25

PCC Surface Characteristics - Construction (MnROAD Study)

General Information
Solicitation Number: 1046
Status: Solicitation withdrawn
Date Posted: Jan 09, 2006
Last Updated: May 18, 2007
Solicitation Expires: Jan 09, 2007
Partners: MN, TX
Lead Organization: Minnesota Department of Transportation
Financial Summary
Suggested Contribution:
Commitment Start Year: 2007
Commitment End Year: 2012
100% SP&R Approval: Pending Approval
Commitments Required: $375,000.00
Commitments Received: $150,000.00
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Bernard Izevbekhai
bernard.izevbekhai@state.mn.us
Commitments by Organizations
Agency Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name Contact Number Email Address
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2007 $15,000.00 Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2008 $15,000.00 Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2009 $15,000.00 Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2010 $15,000.00 Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2011 $15,000.00 Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Texas Department of Transportation 2007 $15,000.00 Hua Chen Frank Bailey 512- 416-4730 rtimain@txdot.gov
Texas Department of Transportation 2008 $15,000.00 Hua Chen Frank Bailey 512- 416-4730 rtimain@txdot.gov
Texas Department of Transportation 2009 $15,000.00 Hua Chen Frank Bailey 512- 416-4730 rtimain@txdot.gov
Texas Department of Transportation 2010 $15,000.00 Hua Chen Frank Bailey 512- 416-4730 rtimain@txdot.gov
Texas Department of Transportation 2011 $15,000.00 Hua Chen Frank Bailey 512- 416-4730 rtimain@txdot.gov

Background

People desire smooth, quiet, and safe pavements. To encourage smooth pavements, we need to quantify the effects of other important pavement performance parameters on ride. These parameters include texture, noise, and friction. Since Minnesota¿s introduction of the astro-drag we have seen the need to consistently evaluate the pavement finishing technique. So far this technique appears to be an optimization of these 4 parameters but more data and research is required for a conclusive decision. An understanding of the interaction of texture and ride is still very rudimentary. In 2002 the Mn/DOT Concrete Engineering Unit and the Concrete Pavers Association of Minnesota created a test section on TH 212 at Bird Island to study the effects of texture and joints in pavement smoothness. The results showed that profile index was affected by texture and joints. However, data is so far insufficient to define a global correlation between texture values and their effect on ride, and the results obtained for the effects of joints on ride were not conclusive because of unanticipated construction issues. This research item is in harmony with the CPTP track 4 of the CPTP road map. This track seeks better understanding of concrete pavement surface characteristics and provides tools for engineers to help meet pre-determined requirements for ride quality, quietness, safety against hydroplaning and splash/spray, and durability. This constitutes a Type 1 Pavement Surface Characteristic Project that will be the second in the country after the Iowa Highway 30 Project. It may also constitute a Quiet Pavement Pilot Project (QPPP) or a Quiet Pavement Research (QPR) based on FHWA¿s definitions. This project will investigate in greater detail the frequency patterns of the surface types and identify through power spectrum density analysis what frequency regimes account for the noise characteristics of each surface. It will quantify the effects of joints on IRI and quantify the noise attenuation benefit implicit in the use of astro-turf drag. Related studies include: . TPF 962: Pavement Surface Properties Consortium: A Research Program (Virginia) . NCHRP 1-44: Measuring Tire-Pavement Noise at the Source (Illingworth & Rodkin, Inc.) . NCHRP 1-43: Guide for Pavement Friction (ERES) . TPF 956: PCC Surface Characteristics: Tire-Pavement Noise Program Part 3 - Innovative Solutions /Current Practices (Iowa State) . NCHRP 10-67: Texturing of Concrete Pavements (ERES) The TPF 962 study mentioned above is meant to serve mainly the Eastern United States. The research proposed in this work could be seen as a parallel research study for the Upper Midwest. MnROAD provides a unique opportunity to measure surface characteristics of a variety of PCC pavements with various pieces of equipment in a safe and controlled environment. This research also serves as an extension/validation of several of the current NCHRP studies. The findings relating to measuring noise and frictional characteristics could be validated with a field study at MnROAD. The TPF 956 study to date has only built one Type I (new construction) project in the United States. The proposed sections to be built at MnROAD would constitute a second Type I project, with the added benefits of instrumentation and a safe, controlled work environment. The use of power spectrum density analysis to better characterize tire-pavement noise is also a unique feature to this project. Public demand for quiet pavements has grown in the last few years so it would be appropriate that our current construction methods be examined so we are not constructing noisy pavements. Some owners are tining and grinding new pavements. It is hoped that this research will find efficient and effective methods for constructing quiet PCC pavements.

Objectives

Research findings will enable Mn/DOT to specify friction, ride, and texture range of values that will optimize quietness, ride, texture and friction in program delivery. It will reduce the incidence of uncomfortable ride, hydroplaning, and obnoxious whines. The average road user benefits from the results of this study. Research outcomes will facilitate a family of curves and algorithms that will address the optimization for giving good friction, which unfortunately was interpreted by profilometers as pavement roughness as well as noise and friction. We will have a prediction of noise level based on the surface finishing types. The project will provide data for optimization of pavement quietness, friction, texture and ride. We will be in a better position to improve our texture specification if necessary. It will provide a justification or otherwise for the Minnesota astro-drag for which we do not yet have much noise documentation data. It will address the question as to what degree of total noise is generated by tire-pavement interaction. Monitored over time, performance versus time characteristics will be obtained for various finishing types. This pooled fund study is strictly to perform the surface characteristics research on newly built test sections at MnROAD, and its funding will come from Mn/DOT and other participating states. The funding for initial construction of the test sections will be obtained separately from Mn/DOT and other partners.

Scope of Work

Several concrete sections will be constructed at MnROAD in 2007 as part of a large reconstruction effort. Within these new sections Mn/DOT plans to create test sections with the following finishing types: . Bituminous (several different surface types) . Concrete astro-turf drag . Concrete longitudinal tining . Un-textured finish . Diamond grinding . Shot abrader . Longitudinal brooming . Exposed aggregate . Pervious PCC pavement This project is expected to consist of the following tasks: . Work Plan: The work plan for this pooled fund study will be developed by the participating organizations. . General Testing and Monitoring: Monitor the pavement performance over time on the test sections. Monitoring activities will include FWD tests, distress surveys, ride measurements, and analysis of pavement sensor data. . Special Testing & Monitoring: A continuous testing and monitoring program will include: o Profile runs with the single laser LWP on all strips. o Profile runs with the multi laser LWP on all strips. o Profile runs with the Australian Walking Profiler (ARRB WP) on textured and un-textured strips. o Texture measurements at every 5-ft on the textured (each side) and the un-textured strips with circular texture meter. o Friction measurements with the FHWA skid trailer on the textured strips compared to the un-textured strips. o Sound measurements (tire pavement interaction) on the textured and un-textured strips with the NCAT trailer, close proximity measurements, or roadside measurements. . Noise Modeling & Validation: Apply the findings of this study to current noise modeling software (TNM, MINNOISE, etc.). . Pooled Fund Travel: Money for each state to travel to discuss the progress of the study. . Data Analysis & Reports: Work done under a research contract will develop interim and final reports that document the findings of this study.

Comments

Mn/DOT along with other participating states are asked to contribute $15,000 per year for 5 years to fund the research proposed in this pooled fund study. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (as the lead agency) along with other partners will provide approximately $100,000 in construction funding outside of this pooled fund study to construct the pavement test section(s) mindful of certain surface characteristics.

Title Type Private
PCC Surface Characteristics - Construction (MnROAD Study) TPF Study Documentation N

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