The need for upgrading aggregate quality control (QC) test methods in the highway construction industry has been apparent for many years. Many of the current aggregate QC test methods are time consuming, highly inefficient and provide considerable risk to the hot mix asphalt and Portland cement concrete production industry. Hot mix asphalt and Portland cement concrete suppliers generally produce and laydown final pavement products prior to receiving quality control testing results. The ramifications of test failures after the pavement is in-place is financially and administratively burdensome to the producers, contractors and the transportation agencies charged with ensuring that funds to construct and maintain the highway infrastructure are used efficiently. QC issues in the industry are further aggravated by the poor precision associated with many of the sampling and acceptance tests employed by the industry and the skill of technicians conducting such tests. The proposed TPF Phase II continues and finalizes the pooled funded laser scanning research investigation (TPF 5[278]) that began on June 1, 2013 with five participating State Agencies: KS, NY, OH, OK, and PA and allows aggregate testing to additional State Agencies wanting to take part in this study. This solicitation continues the work and success of the NCHRP 150 Proof of Concept Study, the NCHRP 168 prototype development and the current TPF-5(278) which has shown the potential and success of this technology. Reports from these studies are included in the Documents Section.

The overall objective is to upgrade QC/QA in the industry by developing a real-time laser scanning system to rapidly classify aggregates used in highway construction. The intent is to employ this classification process to • Quantify specific engineering properties (e.g., specific gravity, acid insoluble residue, Microdeval loss, etc.), • Assess whether an aggregate source will pass or fail a defined engineering property test, • Identify and/or quantify the presence of deleterious materials (e.g., reactive aggregates, cherts, etc.), • Determine whether aggregate composition or quality is changing during production, and • Determine the source material or sources of blended production materials. An aggregate laser scanning system has the potential to be employed in private and government material testing laboratories, where laser scanning of aggregate samples can be undertaken, providing multiple engineering parametric results in near real time.

Scope of Work: The scope of work includes continued development of the laser scanning system, data analysis software and an expanded testing effort to enlarge the database with the current participating Agencies and the addition of new State Agencies. The anticipated tasks in this effort are: 1. Sample Collection, Scanning and Modeling of Test Parameters: Aggregate samples along with laboratory testing results shall be supplied by participating Agencies for laser scanning and modeling activities. Aggregates will be fingerprinted and engineering property prediction models created as specified by each Agency. 2. Hardware, Software and Data Handling, and Modeling Modifications: Methods for improving material flow, laser focusing, data processing, data modeling will be incorporated into the effort as needed to improve spectral output resolution and improve model prediction. 3. AASHTO Standard of Practice: Work on the preparation (in coordination with the AASHTO Subcommittee on Materials Testing) of a Standard Test Method for using a laser scanning system as an aggregate testing method. A draft of this practice was prepared as part of the NCHRP 168 final report. 4. Project Management, Reporting and Annual Review Meetings The Principal Investigator shall coordinate all technical and administrative activities amongst the Participating Agencies and the Research Team. One representative from each participating Agency will be designated the Agency Project “Representative”. Travel for annual review and planning meetings is provided (up to $2000 per year per agency) by the project funding. 5. Technology Transfer Meeting: Each state shall have the option of scheduling a Technology Transfer Seminar at a designated in-state location for State DOT staff, University Staff and Student Training to be presented by the Research Team personnel.

We are looking for seven Partners to contribute $48,000/ year for three years. 100% SPR Funds have been requested