Pavement Base Evaluation KY 55 Taylor County

This report summarizes the findings of a field investigation of the aggregate underdrain system constructed on KY 55 in Taylor County. A detailed description of the construction of this project is presented in UKTRP Research Report 83-13 (Water Under Pavements)

Pavement Evaluation Elkhorn Drive

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government requested that the Kentucky Transportation Center perform a pavement evaluation and overlay design for Elkhorn Drive. This pavement section consisted of 3 inches of asphaltic concrete and 8 inches of dense graded aggregate. A visual inspection during testing revealed several areas of severe alligator cracking along with some areas of transverse cracking

Development of a Laboratory Test for Evaluation of Geogrid Materials

Two test methods have been developed in this project. The first test method is a compression test of a cylinder constructed out of geogrid material and filled with crushed stone. This test is simple and can be easily performed. Only a compression loading machine is needed for this test. The sample preparation is straightforward. However, multiple tests must be run to analyze geogrids with different ultimate tensile strength or different grid aperture size on machine direction and cross machine direction. The second test method is Geogrid Bearing Ratio (GBR) test. This test was developed to measure the effect of geogrids on bearing capacity improvement. The ratio of bearing capacity for the with geogrid treatment to the bearing capacity for the without geogrid treatment is an index that captures a geogrid’s contribution to bearing capacity improvement. The GBR test result is one-parameter, which informs designers of how a geogrid functions in the pavement structure. This test enables comparisons of geogrids with differently aperture shapes. Any difference on grid single string strengths or aperture sizes or shapes are identified by GBR number. GBRs are related to the combined function of string strength, rigidity and integration properties of the geogrid. The optimal geogrid installation position under penetration loading is explored using GBR test. The optimum position is at 4 in. from bottom in 8 in. thick crushed stone configuration under 1.954 in. in diameter piston loading. It is critical to analyze or test particular cases in order to determine a practical, optimal design

Performance Evaluations of Crushed Sandstone Aggregates in Bituminous Bases (Data Appendix to Report KTC-90-26)

The principal objective of the research effort was to develop historical performance data for bituminous sandstone pavements and bituminous limestone pavements relative to visual distress, pavement rutting characteristics, and structural condition using deflection measurements. Data relative to Road Rater deflections, pavement rutting, condition ratings based on subjective visual surveys and objective data such as skid resistance and rideability, were collected and analyzed during the course of the study and reported herein for the routes investigated. It was concluded, based upon information gained during the evaluation period and presented in this report, that pavements constructed with bituminous sandstone bases do not develop excessive rut depths, are more resistant to shoving and pushing, but appear to exhibit cracking at an earlier age than pavements constructed with bituminous limestone bases. The use of bituminous sandstone mixtures addresses problems such as haul costs, rutting, skid resistance, etc. Field engineers indicated that although bituminous sandstone surface mixtures have a slight tendency to ravel, they are very resistant to rutting and applications of bituminous sandstone base and surface mixtures have been very successful in their estimation

2016 Maintenance Customer Survey

The Kentucky Transportation Center, with the assistance of the University of Kentucky’s Survey Research Center, administered a telephone survey to 1,221 licensed drivers throughout the state to gauge their opinion of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) maintenance activities. Survey respondents were distributed throughout KYTC’s 12 highway districts. The survey focused on five areas of highway maintenance: roadside features, pavement surfaces, shoulders, drainage and signs/markings. Respondents indicated they were most satisfied with the current maintenance of signs, guardrail, and striping. Pavement surfaces and potholes, and shoulders and roadway drainage, received the lowest rankings — given that the driving public is very attuned to the smoothness of roadways and readily detects problems, this result was expected. The survey also asked respondents about to specify what level of maintenance they desired for each category. Results for these questions were practically identical across the entire state, with respondents expressing a desire that roads and road features be maintained in very good to excellent condition. There were no differences between items relating to pavement surfaces or safety items. Researchers compared the 2016 survey results to the findings of a 2010 survey. There were few differences between the surveys, and in general the results mirrored each other very closely. New questions added in 2016 asked drivers about their primary sources of travel information. Drivers reported using smartphone apps to obtain travel directions and road conditions, but that traditional media outlets (e.g., television, radio) remain critical sources of information

Pavement Design Evaluations I-275 Boone and Kenton Counties MP 1.05-7.15

Interstate 275 in Boone and Kenton Counties (MP 1.05 - 7.15) has been in service for more than 20 years. The eastbound lanes from MP 1.05 - 4.07 was rehabilitated by rubblization of the existing continuously reinforced concrete pavement, the addition of an open-graded drainage layer and a 9-inch PCC overlay in 1991

Performance Evaluations of Crushed Sandstone Aggregates in Bituminous Bases

The principal objective of the research effort was to develop historical performance data for bituminous sandstone pavements and bituminous limestone pavements relative to visual distress, pavement rutting characteristics, and structural condition using deflection measurements. Data relative to Road Rater deflections, pavement rutting, condition ratings based on subjective visual surveys and objective data such as skid resistance and rideability, were collected and analyzed during the course of the study and reported herein for the routes investigated. It was concluded, based upon information gained during the evaluation period and presented in this report, that pavements constructed with bituminous sandstone bases do not develop excessive rut depths, are more resistant to shoving and pushing, but appear to exhibit cracking at an earlier age than pavements constructed with bituminous limestone bases. The use of bituminous sandstone mixtures addresses problems such as haul costs, rutting, skid resistance, etc. Field engineers indicated that although bituminous sandstone surface mixtures have a slight tendency to ravel, they are very resistant to rutting and applications of bituminous sandstone base and surface mixtures have been very successful in their estimation

Construction of Highway Base and Subbase Layers Containing Residue from an Atmospheric Fluidized Bed Combustion Process

This report summarizes findings of laboratory and construction evaluations of using residue from an atmospheric fluidized bed combustion (AFBC) process as a component in an experimental road base and subbase application. The base mixture contains pulverized fuel ash, AFBC residue, and limestone aggregates used as bulk filler. The subbase mixture contains AFBC residue and pond ash (ponded fly ash and bottom ash). Mixtures containing various proportions of each component were evaluated in the laboratory relative to maximum dry density, optimum moisture content, and compressive strength development. Two 750-foot test sections of a 22-foot wide roadway, containing the experimental mixtures, were constructed in May and June 1988. Prior to construction, in-place California Bearing Ratio tests, moisture content determinations and Road Rater deflection tests were performed on the prepared subgrade. During construction of the experimental base and subbase layers, relative compaction and moisture contents of the materials were monitored by nuclear devices. Specimens were compacted for subsequent evaluations. Initial post-construction evaluations included compressive strength development, elastic modulus, Road Rater deflection analyses, and monitoring expansion of the experimental mixtures both in the field and in the laboratory

Probabilistic Life Cycle Cost Analysis FHWA Demonstration Project DP 115

Kentucky has been involved in several projects relating to the development of a Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis procedures of pavement structures. Research projects have been conducted by the Kentucky Transportation Center dealing with development of a more robust LCC procedures for pavement analysis. A research project has also been conducted developing network level LCC procedures. These procedures are currently in the evaluation phase and have not been implemented into current Kentucky Transportation Cabinet procedures. Life Cycle Costs analysis is utilized on various projects throughout Kentucky to evaluate various pavement construction and rehabilitation alternatives. This report will outline the current procedures used in Kentucky for LCC analysis and will show how this procedure can be modified to include probabilistic analysis as presented in FHWA Demonstration Project 115 (DP 115) Life Cycle Cost analysis in Pavement Design – A Probabilistic Approach.

Preliminary Engineering, Monitoring of Construction, and Initial Performance Evaluation: Use of Ponded Fly Ash in Highway Road Base

This report summarizes findings of laboratory and field trial evaluations of ponded fly ash used as a component In a stabilized aggregate base course. Ponded fly ash is the fine portion of pond ash which is a by-product of a coal burning process and Is disposed by sluicing to a disposal pond. Three stabilized aggregate base mixtures containing various proportions of dense graded aggregate, ponded fly ash, and hydrated lime were evaluated In the laboratory relative to maximum dry density, optimum moisture content, and unconfined compressive strength. The mixture that was selected for field trial evaluation had the highest unconfined compressive strength and consisted of 85% dense graded aggregate, 11% ponded fly ash, and 5% hydrated lime. A 750-foot section of a 22-fool wide roadway was constructed in May 1988. Approximately 80 tons of ponded fly ash were utilized in constructing the experimental base. Prior to construction, in-place California Bearing Ratio tests, moisture content determinations and Road Rater deflection tests were performed on the prepared subgrade. The stabilized aggregate base was placed in one 8-inch lift During construction, relative compaction and moisture content of the base material were monitored by nuclear devices. Post construction evaluations included Road Rater deflections tests and coring to obtain samples for laboratory evaluation. To dale, the section containing the stabilized aggregate base Is performing very well in comparison to the conventionally paved section