Accelerated Performance Testing on the 2018 NCAT Pavement Test Track with MnROAD Research Partnership

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General Information
Study Number: TPF-5(374)
Former Study Number: TPF-5(267)
Lead Organization: Alabama Department of Transportation
Solicitation Number: 1459
Partners: AL, FHWA, FL, GADOT, IL, KY, MDOT SHA, MI, MN, MS, NC, NY, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV
Status: Cleared by FHWA
Est. Completion Date: Nov 30, 2022
Contract/Other Number:
Last Updated: Jul 06, 2023
Contract End Date:
Financial Summary
Contract Amount:
Suggested Contribution:
Total Commitments Received: $13,109,807.00
100% SP&R Approval: Approved
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Kidada Dixon
dixonk@dot.state.al.us
Phone: 334.353.6940
FHWA Technical Liaison(s): Jack Jernigan
Jack.Jernigan@dot.gov
Phone: 202-493-3363
Organization Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name
Alabama Department of Transportation 2018 $560,000.00 Kidada Dixon Virgil Clifton
Alabama Department of Transportation 2019 $560,000.00 Kidada Dixon Virgil Clifton
Alabama Department of Transportation 2020 $560,000.00 Kidada Dixon Virgil Clifton
Alabama Department of Transportation 2021 $0.00 Kidada Dixon Virgil Clifton
Federal Highway Administration 2019 $100,000.00 Christopher Wagner Christopher Wagner
Federal Highway Administration 2020 $100,000.00 Christopher Wagner Christopher Wagner
Federal Highway Administration 2021 $100,000.00 Christopher Wagner Christopher Wagner
Florida Department of Transportation 2018 $560,000.00 Howard Moseley Jennifer Clark
Florida Department of Transportation 2019 $560,000.00 Howard Moseley Jennifer Clark
Florida Department of Transportation 2020 $560,000.00 Howard Moseley Jennifer Clark
Georgia Department of Transportation 2018 $300,000.00 Jacob Walker Supriya Kamatkar
Georgia Department of Transportation 2019 $300,000.00 Jacob Walker Supriya Kamatkar
Georgia Department of Transportation 2020 $300,000.00 Jacob Walker Supriya Kamatkar
Illinois Department of Transportation 2018 $100,000.00 James Trepanier Megan Swanson
Illinois Department of Transportation 2019 $100,000.00 James Trepanier Megan Swanson
Illinois Department of Transportation 2020 $100,000.00 James Trepanier Megan Swanson
Illinois Department of Transportation 2021 $100,000.00 James Trepanier Megan Swanson
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet 2018 $80,000.00 Jason Siwula Jarrod Stanley
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet 2019 $80,000.00 Jason Siwula Jarrod Stanley
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet 2020 $80,000.00 Jason Siwula Jarrod Stanley
Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration 2019 $100,000.00 Geoffrey Hall Allison Hardt
Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration 2020 $100,000.00 Geoffrey Hall Allison Hardt
Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration 2021 $100,000.00 Geoffrey Hall Allison Hardt
Michigan Department of Transportation 2021 $300,000.00 Kevin Kennedy Andre' Clover
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2018 $100,000.00 Ben Worel Debbie Sinclair
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2019 $100,000.00 Ben Worel Debbie Sinclair
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2020 $100,000.00 Ben Worel Debbie Sinclair
Mississippi Department of Transportation 2018 $440,000.00 Cindy Smith Robert Vance
Mississippi Department of Transportation 2019 $440,000.00 Cindy Smith Robert Vance
Mississippi Department of Transportation 2020 $440,000.00 Cindy Smith Robert Vance
New York State Department of Transportation 2019 $100,000.00 Thomas Kane Wes Yang
New York State Department of Transportation 2020 $100,000.00 Thomas Kane Wes Yang
New York State Department of Transportation 2021 $100,000.00 Thomas Kane Wes Yang
North Carolina Department of Transportation 2018 $100,000.00 Todd Whittington Neil Mastin
North Carolina Department of Transportation 2019 $100,000.00 Todd Whittington Neil Mastin
North Carolina Department of Transportation 2020 $100,000.00 Todd Whittington Neil Mastin
Oklahoma Transportation 2018 $400,000.00 Kevin Suitor Ron Curb
Oklahoma Transportation 2019 $400,000.00 Kevin Suitor Ron Curb
Oklahoma Transportation 2020 $400,000.00 Kevin Suitor Ron Curb
South Carolina Department of Transportation 2018 $210,000.00 Jesse Thompson Terry Swygert
South Carolina Department of Transportation 2019 $210,000.00 Jesse Thompson Terry Swygert
South Carolina Department of Transportation 2020 $210,000.00 Jesse Thompson Terry Swygert
Tennessee Department of Transportation 2018 $80,000.00 Heather Hall Melanie Murphy
Tennessee Department of Transportation 2019 $80,000.00 Heather Hall Melanie Murphy
Tennessee Department of Transportation 2020 $80,000.00 Heather Hall Melanie Murphy
Texas Department of Transportation 2018 $350,000.00 Ryan Barborak Ned Mattila
Texas Department of Transportation 2019 $369,807.00 Ryan Barborak Ned Mattila
Texas Department of Transportation 2020 $350,000.00 Ryan Barborak Ned Mattila
Virginia Department of Transportation 2018 $200,000.00 Brian Diefenderfer Bill Kelsh
Virginia Department of Transportation 2019 $200,000.00 Brian Diefenderfer Bill Kelsh
Virginia Department of Transportation 2020 $200,000.00 Brian Diefenderfer Bill Kelsh
West Virginia Department of Transportation 2018 $350,000.00 Gehan Elsayed Gehan Elsayed
West Virginia Department of Transportation 2019 $350,000.00 Gehan Elsayed Gehan Elsayed
West Virginia Department of Transportation 2020 $200,000.00 Gehan Elsayed Gehan Elsayed
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2018 $150,000.00 Steven Hefel Evelyn Bromberg
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2019 $50,000.00 Steven Hefel Evelyn Bromberg
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2020 $125,000.00 Steven Hefel Evelyn Bromberg
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2021 $125,000.00 Steven Hefel Evelyn Bromberg

Study Description

The NCAT Pavement Test Track was originally constructed as a result of interest and support from state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) who shared a concern for building and maintaining safe and cost effective pavement infrastructure. Track research operations began in the summer of 2000. Forty-six 200-ft test sections were subjected to 10 million equivalent September 1, 2017 single axle loadings (ESALs) of heavy truck traffic through December of 2002. Test sections were rebuilt in 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2015 with 10 million ESALs applied within each 3year research cycle. Positive experiences with implementable findings that reduce the life cycle costs of flexible pavements and facilitate rapid deployment of sustainable technologies have made Track research an outstanding investment for numerous state DOTs, who pool their resources to share the cost of construction, operations, and research in a cooperative manner. The summer 2018 rebuild is the starting point for the seventh research cycle, with many high reward research options available for potential sponsors. NCAT is again partnering with MnROAD in the 2018 research cycle to execute a pavement performance experiment with a nationwide implementation impact. Background information on the scope of the NCAT/MnROAD partnership is provided as an attachment.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the pooled fund project described herein will be: 1. Constructing 200 ft test sections on the existing 1.7 mile NCAT test oval that are representative of in-service roadways on the open transportation infrastructure. Each section will be built precisely in accordance with the directives of the research sponsor. Consequently, the final experiment design will likely not be determined until just before the summer of 2018; 2. Applying accelerated performance truck traffic in the 2 years following construction, and extending traffic at the discretion of research sponsors on sections built in previous research cycles both on the NCAT test oval and at MnROAD for the duration of the 3-year research cycle. Design traffic for each unique research cycle on the NCAT test oval is 10 million equivalent single axle loadings (ESALs); 3. Assessing/comparing the functional and structural field performance of trafficked sections on a regular basis via surface and subsurface measures. Surface performance measures are comprehensive and MAP-21 compliant. Subsurface high-speed response measurements will be used to document how each structural section responds to passing loads as a function of temperature, age, and damage accumulation; 4. Validating/calibrating new and existing M-E approaches to pavement analysis and design using pavement surface condition, pavement load response, precise traffic and environmental logging, and cumulative damage. Calibration is essential to the successful implementation of AASHTOWare’s Pavement ME Design as well as other M-E design programs. Implementation without calibration often results in overly conservative designs; 5. Correlating field results with laboratory data for both mechanistic and preservation applications. Laboratory performance data that can predict long term preservation outcomes will provide DOTs with an additional mechanism for making rational selection decisions. State-of-the-art laboratory testing will be utilized, with a focus on balanced mix design; and 6. Answering practical questions posed by research sponsors through formal (i.e., reports and technical papers) and informal (e.g., one-on-one responses to sponsor inquiries) technology transfer. For example, can the same laboratory tests be used to screen both virgin and high binder replacement (i.e., higher RAP and RAS) mixes for cracking susceptibility for both mix design approval and quality control test applications? Support for implementation through the development of guide specifications, training, and technical support are research products.

Scope of Work

The scope of work for the pooled fund project will include: 1. Hauling materials to the project from offsite locations. Material donations are typically secured by state sponsors, while reasonable hauling expenses are handled by the pooled fund; 2. Rebuilding sections in accordance with sponsors’ directives via competitively bid subcontracts administered by NCAT. It is anticipated that aggregate hauling, liquid asphalt supply and delivery, rental of select construction equipment, plant production, and mix placement may all be procured via competitively bid subcontracts; 3. Installing both environmental (i.e., multi-depth pavement temperature probes) and response instrumentation (i.e., high speed stress and strain gages) in new experimental sections; 4. Operating a 5-truck heavy triple-trailer fleet in order to apply accelerated truck traffic on the NCAT test oval following the completion of construction. Human drivers operate NCAT vehicles in order to best induce representative vehicle wander, but it is expected that autonomous vehicles will be implemented in the future. Interstate traffic is used to load test sections at MnROAD; 5. Measuring field performance each week when the fleet is parked to fully document the changes in surface condition as a function of traffic and temperature. High-speed pavement response will also be measured on a weekly basis. Pavement deflection and surface friction will be measured on a monthly basis; 6. Conducting laboratory testing to quantify basic material and mix performance properties, which will serve as the basis of performance model development; and 7. Comparing predicted and measured pavement response as well as predicted and measured cumulative pavement damage in order to validate then calibrate prevailing M-E methodologies.

Comments

This project is expected to be eligible for 100% SP&R funding. Each sponsor participating in the study is asked to contribute funding as a function of the scope of their selected research. The cost to participate varies as follows according to the amount of effort required: • Continue traffic on existing mill/inlay section – $80k / year ($240k / section) • Surface treatment on existing mill/inlay section - $80k / year ($240k / section) September 1, 2017 o Intended to provide access to project for private sector partners o Does not include the cost of materials, construction or mitigation o Commitment to rapid mitigation of failed experiments is required • Continue traffic on existing structural section – $100k / year ($300k / section) o This option also applies to participation in the cracking group (CG) study • Mill/inlay surface performance section – $150k / year ($450k / section) • Mill/inlay structural performance section - $180k / year ($540k / section) • Structural performance section – $210k / year ($630k / section) o This option also applies to participation in the innovation group (IG) study

Documents Attached
Title File/Link Type Privacy Download
Quarterly Report October - December 2022 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 221231.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report July - September 2022 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 220930.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report April - June 2022 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 220630.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report January 1 - March 31 2022 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 220331.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report October 1 - December 31 2021 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 211231.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report April 1 - June 30 2021 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 210630.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report January 1 - March 30 2021 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 210331.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report October 1 - December 31 2020 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 201231.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report July 1 - September 30 2020 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 200930.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report April 1 - June 30 2020 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 200630.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report January 1 - March 31 2020 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 200331.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report October 1 - December 31 2019 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 191231.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report July 1 - September 30 2019 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 190930.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report April 1 - June 30 2019 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 190630.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report January 1 - March 31 2019 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 190331.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report October 1 - December 31 2018 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 181231.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report April 1 - June 30 2018 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 180630.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report July - September 2018 Research Project 930-971P Quarterly Report July 1 - September 30 2018.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report July - September 2021 Quarterly Report July - September 2021 TPF-5(374) 930-971P.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Approved No Cost Time Extension Request for TPF-5(374) Approved - No Cost Time Extension Request for TPF-5(374).pdf Other Public
TPF-5(374) Acceptance Letter TPF-5(374) Acceptance Letter.pdf Memorandum Public
TPF-5(374) Waiver Approval Letter Approval of SPR Waiver Pooled Fund Solicitation #1461 (002).pdf Memorandum Public
Documents Attached
Title File/Link Type Privacy Download
Solicitation #1459 Waiver Approval Letter Approval of SP&R Waiver Pooled Fund Solicitation #1459.pdf Memorandum Public
2018 NCAT Proposal Letter 2018 NCAT Proposal Letter.pdf Solicitation Public

Accelerated Performance Testing on the 2018 NCAT Pavement Test Track with MnROAD Research Partnership

General Information
Study Number: TPF-5(374)
Lead Organization: Alabama Department of Transportation
Solicitation Number: 1459
Partners: AL, FHWA, FL, GADOT, IL, KY, MDOT SHA, MI, MN, MS, NC, NY, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV
Status: Cleared by FHWA
Est. Completion Date: Nov 30, 2022
Contract/Other Number:
Last Updated: Jul 06, 2023
Contract End Date:
Financial Summary
Contract Amount:
Total Commitments Received: $13,109,807.00
100% SP&R Approval:
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Kidada Dixon
dixonk@dot.state.al.us
Phone: 334.353.6940
FHWA Technical Liaison(s): Jack Jernigan
Jack.Jernigan@dot.gov
Phone: 202-493-3363
Commitments by Organizations
Organization Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name Contact Number Email Address
Alabama Department of Transportation 2018 $560,000.00 Kidada Dixon Virgil Clifton 334-353-6944 cliftonv@dot.state.al.us
Alabama Department of Transportation 2019 $560,000.00 Kidada Dixon Virgil Clifton 334-353-6944 cliftonv@dot.state.al.us
Alabama Department of Transportation 2020 $560,000.00 Kidada Dixon Virgil Clifton 334-353-6944 cliftonv@dot.state.al.us
Alabama Department of Transportation 2021 $0.00 Kidada Dixon Virgil Clifton 334-353-6944 cliftonv@dot.state.al.us
Federal Highway Administration 2019 $100,000.00 Christopher Wagner Christopher Wagner 404-562-3693 christopher.wagner@dot.gov
Federal Highway Administration 2020 $100,000.00 Christopher Wagner Christopher Wagner 404-562-3693 christopher.wagner@dot.gov
Federal Highway Administration 2021 $100,000.00 Christopher Wagner Christopher Wagner 404-562-3693 christopher.wagner@dot.gov
Florida Department of Transportation 2018 $560,000.00 Howard Moseley Jennifer Clark 850-414-4614 jennifer.clark@dot.state.fl.us
Florida Department of Transportation 2019 $560,000.00 Howard Moseley Jennifer Clark 850-414-4614 jennifer.clark@dot.state.fl.us
Florida Department of Transportation 2020 $560,000.00 Howard Moseley Jennifer Clark 850-414-4614 jennifer.clark@dot.state.fl.us
Georgia Department of Transportation 2018 $300,000.00 Jacob Walker Supriya Kamatkar 404-347-0552 skamatkar@dot.ga.gov
Georgia Department of Transportation 2019 $300,000.00 Jacob Walker Supriya Kamatkar 404-347-0552 skamatkar@dot.ga.gov
Georgia Department of Transportation 2020 $300,000.00 Jacob Walker Supriya Kamatkar 404-347-0552 skamatkar@dot.ga.gov
Illinois Department of Transportation 2018 $100,000.00 James Trepanier Megan Swanson 217-782-3547 Megan.Swanson@illinois.gov
Illinois Department of Transportation 2019 $100,000.00 James Trepanier Megan Swanson 217-782-3547 Megan.Swanson@illinois.gov
Illinois Department of Transportation 2020 $100,000.00 James Trepanier Megan Swanson 217-782-3547 Megan.Swanson@illinois.gov
Illinois Department of Transportation 2021 $100,000.00 James Trepanier Megan Swanson 217-782-3547 Megan.Swanson@illinois.gov
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet 2018 $80,000.00 Jason Siwula Jarrod Stanley (502) 782-4090 jarrod.stanley@ky.gov
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet 2019 $80,000.00 Jason Siwula Jarrod Stanley (502) 782-4090 jarrod.stanley@ky.gov
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet 2020 $80,000.00 Jason Siwula Jarrod Stanley (502) 782-4090 jarrod.stanley@ky.gov
Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration 2019 $100,000.00 Geoffrey Hall Allison Hardt 410-545-2916 ahardt@mdot.maryland.gov
Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration 2020 $100,000.00 Geoffrey Hall Allison Hardt 410-545-2916 ahardt@mdot.maryland.gov
Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration 2021 $100,000.00 Geoffrey Hall Allison Hardt 410-545-2916 ahardt@mdot.maryland.gov
Michigan Department of Transportation 2021 $300,000.00 Kevin Kennedy Andre' Clover 517-749-9001 clovera@michigan.gov
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2018 $100,000.00 Ben Worel Debbie Sinclair 651-336-3746 debbie.sinclair@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2019 $100,000.00 Ben Worel Debbie Sinclair 651-336-3746 debbie.sinclair@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2020 $100,000.00 Ben Worel Debbie Sinclair 651-336-3746 debbie.sinclair@state.mn.us
Mississippi Department of Transportation 2018 $440,000.00 Cindy Smith Robert Vance RVance@mdot.ms.gov
Mississippi Department of Transportation 2019 $440,000.00 Cindy Smith Robert Vance RVance@mdot.ms.gov
Mississippi Department of Transportation 2020 $440,000.00 Cindy Smith Robert Vance RVance@mdot.ms.gov
New York State Department of Transportation 2019 $100,000.00 Thomas Kane Wes Yang 518-457-4660 wes.yang@dot.ny.gov
New York State Department of Transportation 2020 $100,000.00 Thomas Kane Wes Yang 518-457-4660 wes.yang@dot.ny.gov
New York State Department of Transportation 2021 $100,000.00 Thomas Kane Wes Yang 518-457-4660 wes.yang@dot.ny.gov
North Carolina Department of Transportation 2018 $100,000.00 Todd Whittington Neil Mastin 919 707 6661 jmastin@ncdot.gov
North Carolina Department of Transportation 2019 $100,000.00 Todd Whittington Neil Mastin 919 707 6661 jmastin@ncdot.gov
North Carolina Department of Transportation 2020 $100,000.00 Todd Whittington Neil Mastin 919 707 6661 jmastin@ncdot.gov
Oklahoma Transportation 2018 $400,000.00 Kevin Suitor Ron Curb (405)414-7740 rcurb@odot.org
Oklahoma Transportation 2019 $400,000.00 Kevin Suitor Ron Curb (405)414-7740 rcurb@odot.org
Oklahoma Transportation 2020 $400,000.00 Kevin Suitor Ron Curb (405)414-7740 rcurb@odot.org
South Carolina Department of Transportation 2018 $210,000.00 Jesse Thompson Terry Swygert 803-737-6691 SwygertTL@scdot.org
South Carolina Department of Transportation 2019 $210,000.00 Jesse Thompson Terry Swygert 803-737-6691 SwygertTL@scdot.org
South Carolina Department of Transportation 2020 $210,000.00 Jesse Thompson Terry Swygert 803-737-6691 SwygertTL@scdot.org
Tennessee Department of Transportation 2018 $80,000.00 Heather Hall Melanie Murphy 615-253-2158 melanie.murphy@tn.gov
Tennessee Department of Transportation 2019 $80,000.00 Heather Hall Melanie Murphy 615-253-2158 melanie.murphy@tn.gov
Tennessee Department of Transportation 2020 $80,000.00 Heather Hall Melanie Murphy 615-253-2158 melanie.murphy@tn.gov
Texas Department of Transportation 2018 $350,000.00 Ryan Barborak Ned Mattila 512-416-4727 ned.mattila@txdot.gov
Texas Department of Transportation 2019 $369,807.00 Ryan Barborak Ned Mattila 512-416-4727 ned.mattila@txdot.gov
Texas Department of Transportation 2020 $350,000.00 Ryan Barborak Ned Mattila 512-416-4727 ned.mattila@txdot.gov
Virginia Department of Transportation 2018 $200,000.00 Brian Diefenderfer Bill Kelsh 434-293-1934 Bill.Kelsh@VDOT.Virginia.gov
Virginia Department of Transportation 2019 $200,000.00 Brian Diefenderfer Bill Kelsh 434-293-1934 Bill.Kelsh@VDOT.Virginia.gov
Virginia Department of Transportation 2020 $200,000.00 Brian Diefenderfer Bill Kelsh 434-293-1934 Bill.Kelsh@VDOT.Virginia.gov
West Virginia Department of Transportation 2018 $350,000.00 Gehan Elsayed Gehan Elsayed (304)558-9626 gehan.m.elsayed@wv.gov
West Virginia Department of Transportation 2019 $350,000.00 Gehan Elsayed Gehan Elsayed (304)558-9626 gehan.m.elsayed@wv.gov
West Virginia Department of Transportation 2020 $200,000.00 Gehan Elsayed Gehan Elsayed (304)558-9626 gehan.m.elsayed@wv.gov
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2018 $150,000.00 Steven Hefel Evelyn Bromberg 608-267-7360 evelyn.bromberg@dot.wi.gov
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2019 $50,000.00 Steven Hefel Evelyn Bromberg 608-267-7360 evelyn.bromberg@dot.wi.gov
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2020 $125,000.00 Steven Hefel Evelyn Bromberg 608-267-7360 evelyn.bromberg@dot.wi.gov
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2021 $125,000.00 Steven Hefel Evelyn Bromberg 608-267-7360 evelyn.bromberg@dot.wi.gov

Study Description

Study Description

The NCAT Pavement Test Track was originally constructed as a result of interest and support from state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) who shared a concern for building and maintaining safe and cost effective pavement infrastructure. Track research operations began in the summer of 2000. Forty-six 200-ft test sections were subjected to 10 million equivalent September 1, 2017 single axle loadings (ESALs) of heavy truck traffic through December of 2002. Test sections were rebuilt in 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2015 with 10 million ESALs applied within each 3year research cycle. Positive experiences with implementable findings that reduce the life cycle costs of flexible pavements and facilitate rapid deployment of sustainable technologies have made Track research an outstanding investment for numerous state DOTs, who pool their resources to share the cost of construction, operations, and research in a cooperative manner. The summer 2018 rebuild is the starting point for the seventh research cycle, with many high reward research options available for potential sponsors. NCAT is again partnering with MnROAD in the 2018 research cycle to execute a pavement performance experiment with a nationwide implementation impact. Background information on the scope of the NCAT/MnROAD partnership is provided as an attachment.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the pooled fund project described herein will be: 1. Constructing 200 ft test sections on the existing 1.7 mile NCAT test oval that are representative of in-service roadways on the open transportation infrastructure. Each section will be built precisely in accordance with the directives of the research sponsor. Consequently, the final experiment design will likely not be determined until just before the summer of 2018; 2. Applying accelerated performance truck traffic in the 2 years following construction, and extending traffic at the discretion of research sponsors on sections built in previous research cycles both on the NCAT test oval and at MnROAD for the duration of the 3-year research cycle. Design traffic for each unique research cycle on the NCAT test oval is 10 million equivalent single axle loadings (ESALs); 3. Assessing/comparing the functional and structural field performance of trafficked sections on a regular basis via surface and subsurface measures. Surface performance measures are comprehensive and MAP-21 compliant. Subsurface high-speed response measurements will be used to document how each structural section responds to passing loads as a function of temperature, age, and damage accumulation; 4. Validating/calibrating new and existing M-E approaches to pavement analysis and design using pavement surface condition, pavement load response, precise traffic and environmental logging, and cumulative damage. Calibration is essential to the successful implementation of AASHTOWare’s Pavement ME Design as well as other M-E design programs. Implementation without calibration often results in overly conservative designs; 5. Correlating field results with laboratory data for both mechanistic and preservation applications. Laboratory performance data that can predict long term preservation outcomes will provide DOTs with an additional mechanism for making rational selection decisions. State-of-the-art laboratory testing will be utilized, with a focus on balanced mix design; and 6. Answering practical questions posed by research sponsors through formal (i.e., reports and technical papers) and informal (e.g., one-on-one responses to sponsor inquiries) technology transfer. For example, can the same laboratory tests be used to screen both virgin and high binder replacement (i.e., higher RAP and RAS) mixes for cracking susceptibility for both mix design approval and quality control test applications? Support for implementation through the development of guide specifications, training, and technical support are research products.

Scope of Work

The scope of work for the pooled fund project will include: 1. Hauling materials to the project from offsite locations. Material donations are typically secured by state sponsors, while reasonable hauling expenses are handled by the pooled fund; 2. Rebuilding sections in accordance with sponsors’ directives via competitively bid subcontracts administered by NCAT. It is anticipated that aggregate hauling, liquid asphalt supply and delivery, rental of select construction equipment, plant production, and mix placement may all be procured via competitively bid subcontracts; 3. Installing both environmental (i.e., multi-depth pavement temperature probes) and response instrumentation (i.e., high speed stress and strain gages) in new experimental sections; 4. Operating a 5-truck heavy triple-trailer fleet in order to apply accelerated truck traffic on the NCAT test oval following the completion of construction. Human drivers operate NCAT vehicles in order to best induce representative vehicle wander, but it is expected that autonomous vehicles will be implemented in the future. Interstate traffic is used to load test sections at MnROAD; 5. Measuring field performance each week when the fleet is parked to fully document the changes in surface condition as a function of traffic and temperature. High-speed pavement response will also be measured on a weekly basis. Pavement deflection and surface friction will be measured on a monthly basis; 6. Conducting laboratory testing to quantify basic material and mix performance properties, which will serve as the basis of performance model development; and 7. Comparing predicted and measured pavement response as well as predicted and measured cumulative pavement damage in order to validate then calibrate prevailing M-E methodologies.

Comments

This project is expected to be eligible for 100% SP&R funding. Each sponsor participating in the study is asked to contribute funding as a function of the scope of their selected research. The cost to participate varies as follows according to the amount of effort required: • Continue traffic on existing mill/inlay section – $80k / year ($240k / section) • Surface treatment on existing mill/inlay section - $80k / year ($240k / section) September 1, 2017 o Intended to provide access to project for private sector partners o Does not include the cost of materials, construction or mitigation o Commitment to rapid mitigation of failed experiments is required • Continue traffic on existing structural section – $100k / year ($300k / section) o This option also applies to participation in the cracking group (CG) study • Mill/inlay surface performance section – $150k / year ($450k / section) • Mill/inlay structural performance section - $180k / year ($540k / section) • Structural performance section – $210k / year ($630k / section) o This option also applies to participation in the innovation group (IG) study

Title File/Link Type Private
TPF-5(374) Waiver Approval Letter Approval of SPR Waiver Pooled Fund Solicitation #1461 (002).pdf Memorandum Public
TPF-5(374) Acceptance Letter TPF-5(374) Acceptance Letter.pdf Memorandum Public
Approved No Cost Time Extension Request for TPF-5(374) Approved - No Cost Time Extension Request for TPF-5(374).pdf Other Public
Quarterly Report July - September 2021 Quarterly Report July - September 2021 TPF-5(374) 930-971P.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report July - September 2018 Research Project 930-971P Quarterly Report July 1 - September 30 2018.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report April 1 - June 30 2018 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 180630.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report October 1 - December 31 2018 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 181231.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report January 1 - March 31 2019 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 190331.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report April 1 - June 30 2019 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 190630.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report July 1 - September 30 2019 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 190930.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report October 1 - December 31 2019 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 191231.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report January 1 - March 31 2020 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 200331.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report April 1 - June 30 2020 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 200630.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report July 1 - September 30 2020 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 200930.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report October 1 - December 31 2020 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 201231.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report January 1 - March 30 2021 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 210331.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report April 1 - June 30 2021 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 210630.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report October 1 - December 31 2021 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 211231.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report January 1 - March 31 2022 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 220331.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report April - June 2022 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 220630.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report July - September 2022 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 220930.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report October - December 2022 2018 NCAT Track TPF-5(374) QPR Ending 221231.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Title File/Link Type Private
Solicitation #1459 Waiver Approval Letter Approval of SP&R Waiver Pooled Fund Solicitation #1459.pdf Memorandum Public
2018 NCAT Proposal Letter 2018 NCAT Proposal Letter.pdf Solicitation Public

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