An Innovative Reinforcement Approach for Rebar-Free\ua03D Printing of Transportation Infrastructure

A research team at Louisiana State University (LSU) developed an innovative, rebar-free Construction 3D Printing (C3DP) process to encourage efficient and resilient transportation infrastructure development. LSU is the lead university at the Region 6 University Transportation Center, (UTC) Transportation Consortium of South Central States, or Tran-SET. Tran-SET is a collaborative partnership comprised of 11 institutions across five states, focusing on \u201cImproving the durability and extending the life of transportation infrastructure.\u201d A major challenge addressed by Trans-SET researchers is in the widespread application of C3DP, which currently lacks seamless integration of reinforcement into the automated layering process using conventional concrete reinforcement techniques. An integrated and automated reinforcement approach enables the automated construction of structures and bridges, and can reduce the construction time and cost. This project developed a fully characterized printable self-reinforced mixture and provided comprehensive experimental data on the performance of an alternative reinforcement technique under different loading conditions. This is an important first step towards the automated construction of structural elements without the need for manual insertion of conventional steel rebars

Development of Geopolymers Based Cement and Soil Stabilizers for Transportation Infrastructure

69A3551747106Geopolymer Cement (GPC) has drawn much attention in the recent years as an alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) for soil stabilization, pavements, bridges and other transportation structures due to their good mechanical properties in comparison to OPC. In addition, GPC can be processed at room temperatures from aqueous solutions of waste materials (e.g. fly ash) or abundant natural sources (e.g. clay), thereby significantly reducing CO2 production associated with processing of OPC. As such, GPC proves to be a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative than OPC. This research explores methods to develop GPC with desired properties and evaluate their durability characteristics as part of their long-term performance based on real service conditions when exposed to significant water intake during flooding or torrential rainfall. Teams from Texas A&M University (TAMU) and University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) collaborated in this study to understand GPC, propose different methods to synthesize GPC, and to effectively synthesize a GPC composition

Sustainability-Based Long-Term Management of Bridges Under Multi-Hazard Exposure [Supporting Dataset]

69A3551747106National Transportation Library (NTL) Curation Note: As this dataset is preserved in a repository outside U.S. DOT control, as allowed by the U.S. DOT's Public Access Plan (https://doi.org/10.21949/1503647) Section 7.4.2 Data, the NTL staff has performed NO additional curation actions on this dataset. The current level of dataset documentation is the responsibility of the dataset creator. NTL staff last accessed this dataset at its repository URL on 2022-11-11. If, in the future, you have trouble accessing this dataset at the host repository, please email [email protected] describing your problem. NTL staff will do its best to assist you at that time.Bridges are under deterioration due to various mechanical and environmental stressors. Hydraulic-related hazards (e.g., flood and scour), aggressive environmental conditions, and seismic events (e.g., earthquake) are recognized as the most significant threats to the safety of bridges. In traditional risk assessment methods for structures susceptible to damage due to floods and other natural hazards (e.g., corrosion and seismic events), future hazard predictions are conducted using historic return periods and climate records. However, recent increase in flood intensity in central-southern states indicate that future hazard occurrence rate may not necessarily follow past trends. Accordingly, current design, assessment, and management methodologies should adapt to these changes in order to ensure the satisfactory performance of bridges under the combined or cumulative action of hazards. This project addresses this need by presenting a framework for risk quantification and optimum management of bridges susceptible to damage due to floods, flood induced scour, and other gradual deterioration mechanism (e.g., corrosion and fatigue). Downscaled climate data, adopted from the global climate models, are employed to predict future flood hazard at a given location. Probabilistic simulation is used to quantify the time-dependent failure probability, which subsequently helps quantify the long-term sustainability through the systematic integration of economic, social, and environmental metrics associated with bridge failures. These profiles can be next used to obtain optimum interventions required to extend the service life while maintaining the structural performance above prescribed thresholds. The total size of the described zip file is 23.6 MB. Files with the .xlsx extension are Microsoft Excel spreadsheet files. Docx files are document files created in Microsoft Word. These files can be opened using Microsoft Word or with an open source text viewer such as Apache OpenOffice

Impacts of Moisture on Asphalt Properties [Supporting Dataset]

69A3551747106National Transportation Library (NTL) Curation Note: As this dataset is preserved in a repository outside U.S. DOT control, as allowed by the U.S. DOT's Public Access Plan (https://doi.org/10.21949/1503647) Section 7.4.2 Data, the NTL staff has performed NO additional curation actions on this dataset. The current level of dataset documentation is the responsibility of the dataset creator. NTL staff last accessed this dataset at its repository URL on 2022-11-11. If, in the future, you have trouble accessing this dataset at the host repository, please email [email protected] describing your problem. NTL staff will do its best to assist you at that time.Stripping related moisture damage has been recognized as one of the major pavement distresses since the early 1990s. The main objective of this study is to establish an effective test protocol to quantify moisture susceptibility of asphalt pavements. To this end, selective test methods (Texas Boiling test, Tensile Strength Ratio, Retained Stability, and Hamburg Wheel Test), and procedures based on surface chemistries and molecular-level mechanistic properties have been investigated in this study. Firstly, a comprehensive list of literature related to moisture damage in asphalts was reviewed. Based on the literature review, a detailed project plan and test matrix were developed. Binder samples originated from two different crude sources were collected. The moisture resistance related tests such as static contact angle measurements and Texas Boiling tests were conducted. Besides, asphalt binders\u2019 nanomechanical properties using an Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and surface chemistries using a static contact were evaluated in the laboratory. Based on limited test data and analysis, it is concluded that there does not exist any single test method that all agencies are comfortable and equipped to follow in their daily work as each technique has some merits and demerits. However, the Texas Boiling test is found to be the simplest method that requires minimal time and resources. On the other hand, surface chemistry and atomic force microscope-based techniques are becoming popular among researchers and pavement professionals. Findings of this study are expected to help ARDOT in selecting an appropriate moisture resistance test method that is simple, reliable, and easy to implement in their routine work. The total size of the described zip file is 40.8 KB. Docx files are document files created in Microsoft Word. These files can be opened using Microsoft Word or with an open source text viewer such as Apache OpenOffice. Files with the .xlsx extension are Microsoft Excel spreadsheet files. These can be opened in Excel or open-source spreadsheet programs

Development of a Standard Test Method for Characterization of Asphalt Modifiers and Aging-Related Degradation Using an Extensional Rheometer [Supporting Dataset]

69A3551747106National Transportation Library (NTL) Curation Note: As this dataset is preserved in a repository outside U.S. DOT control, as allowed by the U.S. DOT's Public Access Plan (https://doi.org/10.21949/1503647) Section 7.4.2 Data, the NTL staff has performed NO additional curation actions on this dataset. The current level of dataset documentation is the responsibility of the dataset creator. NTL staff last accessed this dataset at its repository URL on 2022-11-11. If, in the future, you have trouble accessing this dataset at the host repository, please email [email protected] describing your problem. NTL staff will do its best to assist you at that time.An extensional deformation test method using a Sentmanat Extensional Rheometer (SER) fixture inside a Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) is developed in this study to investigate the degradation of the polymer due to aging and to investigate the effect of modifier type. A relationship between different percentages of modifier and ductility of the modified binder is also investigated. The sample geometrics used in this study are 1 mm 7 0.72 mm and 3 mm 7 0.72 mm. A total of one hundred and sixty-two samples were tested. Three modifiers Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS), Polyphosphoric Acid (PPA) and latex were used. One PG 76-22, one PG 64-22 and one polymer-modified asphalt emulsion (PAME) were used. First peak elongation force, (F1) is the binders\u2019 stiffness and Second peak elongation force, (F2) is the polymer characteristics. F2 is more visible comparatively at the higher temperature. In most cases, F2 reduces after Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) and Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) aging. To normalize the stiffness effect of F1 on F2, in this study F2/F1 was used to analyze aging susceptibility of modifiers. All the testing temperatures used in this study exhibited a reduction in F2/F1 due to RTFO aging and further reduction due to PAV aging. Therefore, it is recommended that this parameter can be used to determine aging susceptibility of polymer in a polymer-modified asphalt binder. F2 is only obtained from the SBS and latex modified binders and emulsions. Addition of PPA did not show any F2, making SBS the most effective modifier among SBS, PPA and latex. F2 has a linear correlation with the percent of the polymer in the PMAE, SBS modified PG 64-22, SBS and PPA modified PG 64-22 and latex modified PG 64-22, indicating extensional deformation test with SER very promising. Ductility analyses using final angular strain values indicate that modifiers increase ductility significantly while aging reduces ductility. Additional research is required for testing ultra-violet (UV) aged sample, and a DSR-based SER test specification will be developed subsequently. The total size of the described zip file is 782 KB. Docx files are document files created in Microsoft Word. These files can be opened using Microsoft Word or with an open source text viewer such as Apache OpenOffice. Files with the .xlsx extension are Microsoft Excel spreadsheet files. These can be opened in Excel or open-source spreadsheet programs

Modeling Sulfate Attack in Modern Concrete for Building Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure [Supporting Dataset]

69A3551747106National Transportation Library (NTL) Curation Note: As this dataset is preserved in a repository outside U.S. DOT control, as allowed by the U.S. DOT's Public Access Plan (https://doi.org/10.21949/1503647) Section 7.4.2 Data, the NTL staff has performed NO additional curation actions on this dataset. The current level of dataset documentation is the responsibility of the dataset creator. NTL staff last accessed this dataset at its repository URL on 2022-11-11. If, in the future, you have trouble accessing this dataset at the host repository, please email [email protected] describing your problem. NTL staff will do its best to assist you at that time.External sulfate attack is a complex phenomenon and is manifested in the form of large expansion, cracking, and spalling depending on the exposure solution and material constituent properties. Several models were developed in the past to demonstrate sulfate attack mechanisms that account for the diffusion of sulfate ions into the porous concrete and the successive deformation triggered by the chemical reaction and precipitation of expansive agents. However, none of these models accounts for the effect of the migration of solvent water from the low solute concentration solution to high solute concentration solution driven by the osmotic pressure. Osmotic pressure is believed to cause spalling and cracking of concrete substrates coated with semipermeable membrane that prohibits diffusion of ions from the surroundings into the porous body. In order to determine the effect of osmotic pressure on the deformation of concrete exposed to sulfate solution, a coupled poromechanical model has been developed. Sensitivity analysis has been performed to investigate the effect of material constituent properties and exposure solution on the osmotic pressure induced damage propensity of concrete. It has been found that concrete surface can exhibit high instantaneous tensile stress developed by the gradient in the salt concentration between the pore solution and external surroundings. The total size of the described zip file is 117 KB. Docx files are document files created in Microsoft Word. These files can be opened using Microsoft Word or with an open source text viewer such as Apache OpenOffice. NB files are Mathematica Notebook files. These files can be opened using text editors such as notepad or spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets

Combining Virtual Reality and Machine Learning for Enhancing the Resiliency of Transportation Infrastructure in Extreme Events

69A3551747106Traffic management models that include route choice form the basis of traffic management systems. High-fidelity models that are based on rapidly evolving contextual conditions can have significant impact on smart and energy efficient transportation. Existing traffic/route choice models are generic and are calibrated on static contextual conditions. These models do not consider dynamic contextual conditions such as the location, failure of certain portions of the road network, the social network structure of population inhabiting the region, route choices made by other drivers, extreme conditions, etc. As a result, the model\u2019s predictions are made at an aggregate level and for a fixed set of contextual factors. There is a clear need to develop traffic models that take into account local contexts and are closer to ground reality to provide government agencies the ability to make well-informed model-based decisions/policies

Use of Nanoclays As Alternatives of Polymers Toward Improving Performance of Asphalt Binders [Supporting Dataset]

69A3551747106National Transportation Library (NTL) Curation Note: As this dataset is preserved in a repository outside U.S. DOT control, as allowed by the U.S. DOT's Public Access Plan (https://doi.org/10.21949/1503647) Section 7.4.2 Data, the NTL staff has performed NO additional curation actions on this dataset. The current level of dataset documentation is the responsibility of the dataset creator. NTL staff last accessed this dataset at its repository URL on 2022-11-11. If, in the future, you have trouble accessing this dataset at the host repository, please email [email protected] describing your problem. NTL staff will do its best to assist you at that time.The main goal of this study is to assess the feasibility of the use of nanoclay as an alternative to commonly used polymers such as styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), which are used to modify the performance grade (PG) of asphalt binders. Three types of nanoclay and two types of neat binders were selected for laboratory investigation. Different amounts (1, 2, and 3%) of nanoclays were used. A blending protocol has been developed to mix the nanoclay with the asphalt binder. Rotational Viscosity (RV), Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), Optical Contact Analyzer (OCA) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) were conducted to evaluate the properties of modified asphalt binders. Significant increases of viscosity and complex shear modulus were observed for nanoclay-modified binders because of nanoclay\u2019s nanoscale phenomena such as structural features, quantum effects, spatial confinement, high surface energy, and a large fraction of surface atoms. The maximum rutting resistance is expected for binders modified with the 1% Cloisite 11B. The OCA test results suggest that the modified asphalt binders possess higher surface free energy than the neat binder. Therefore, cohesive energy which is an indicator of moisture damage was increased for modified binders. From the AFM analysis, adhesion and deformation values decreased for modified asphalt binders. The minimum adhesion and deformation values were found for asphalt binder samples modified with the 1% Cloisite 10A. The total size of the described zip file is 78.3 KB. Docx files are document files created in Microsoft Word. These files can be opened using Microsoft Word or with an open source text viewer such as Apache OpenOffice. Files with the .xlsx extension are Microsoft Excel spreadsheet files. These can be opened in Excel or open-source spreadsheet programs

Use of Rice Hull Ash (RHA) as a Sustainable Source of Construction Material [Supporting Dataset]

69A3551747106National Transportation Library (NTL) Curation Note: As this dataset is preserved in a repository outside U.S. DOT control, as allowed by the U.S. DOT's Public Access Plan (https://doi.org/10.21949/1503647) Section 7.4.2 Data, the NTL staff has performed NO additional curation actions on this dataset. The current level of dataset documentation is the responsibility of the dataset creator. NTL staff last accessed this dataset at its repository URL on 2022-11-11. If, in the future, you have trouble accessing this dataset at the host repository, please email [email protected] describing your problem. NTL staff will do its best to assist you at that time.With the imminent shortage of natural resources, the need to find sustainable development is the highest in recent history. Therefore, this study examines the potential uses of Rice Hull Ash (RHA) as a sustainable cementitious material (SCM) in preparation of concrete. This study also assesses the use of RHA as an alternative of commonly used polymers in preparing high-grade asphalt binders. RHA is a potential sustainable solution because it is currently being treated as an agricultural waste material, yet its high silica content makes it a potential construction material. Three different sizes of RHA (600 \u3bcm, 150 \u3bcm, and 44 \u3bcm) with two different partial replacement percentages (10% and 20%) of type I Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) were considered to prepare concrete and mortar samples. For the comparative analysis, two more SCM materials, namely, class C fly ash (CFA) and silica fume (SF), were also incorporated in this study. The results of the fresh concrete tests (slump, unit weight, air entrainment) and hardened concrete tests (e.g., compressive, tensile, flexural strength) have suggested that with a 10% replacement of OPC using finer RHA- modified concrete exhibits the improvement of concrete properties compared to the regular concrete. Based on limited test data of RHA-modified binders, RHA appears to be a viable alternative of commonly used polymers. The total size of the described zip file is 44.3 KB. Docx files are document files created in Microsoft Word. These files can be opened using Microsoft Word or with an open source text viewer such as Apache OpenOffice. Files with the .xlsx extension are Microsoft Excel spreadsheet files

Vehicle Sensing and Communications Using LED Headlights To Enhance the Performance of Intelligent Transportation Systems: Proof of Concept, Implementation, and Applications [Supporting Dataset]

69A3551747106National Transportation Library (NTL) Curation Note: As this dataset is preserved in a repository outside U.S. DOT control, as allowed by the U.S. DOT's Public Access Plan (https://doi.org/10.21949/1503647) Section 7.4.2 Data, the NTL staff has performed NO additional curation actions on this dataset. The current level of dataset documentation is the responsibility of the dataset creator. NTL staff last accessed this dataset at its repository URL on 2022-11-11. If, in the future, you have trouble accessing this dataset at the host repository, please email [email protected] describing your problem. NTL staff will do its best to assist you at that time.This project investigates the use of vehicle light-emitting diode (LED) headlamp devices for improving the accuracy and reliability of traffic (sensing and communication) data measurements required for developing effective intelligent transportation systems (ITS) technologies and solutions. Vehicular communication and sensing technologies are mainly based on conventional radio frequency (RF) or laser technologies. These systems suffer from several issues such as RF interference and poor performance in scenarios where the incidence angle between the speed detector and the vehicle is rapidly varying. Introducing a new sensing technology will add diversity to these systems and enhance the reliability of the real-time data. In this project, we proposed and investigated a novel speed estimation sensing system named \u201cVisible Light Detection and Ranging (ViLDAR)\u201d (patent pending). ViLDAR utilizes visible light-sensing technology to measure the variation of the vehicle\u2019s headlamp light intensity to estimate the vehicle speed. Similarly, visible light sensing technology is used for data communication purposes, where the vehicle headlamp is utilized for wireless data transmission purposes. This project outlines the ViLDAR system simulations, implementation including hardware and software components, experimental evaluation in both laboratory and outdoor environments. The experimental measurement settings of the ViLDAR experiments are detailed. Encouraging results for both sensing and communication scenarios are obtained. The outcome of this proof-of-concept study both in the laboratory and outdoor validates the merit of the proposed technology in speed estimation (sensing) and data communication. The outcomes of this project will inspire a wide and diverse range of researchers, scientists and practitioners from the ITS community to explore this new and exciting technology. This project built initial steps in exploring this new sensing and communication modality using vehicle headlamps, leaving open a wide field for exploration and novel research. The total size of the described zip file is 1.94 MB. Files with the .xlsx extension are Microsoft Excel spreadsheet files. These can be opened in Excel or open-source spreadsheet programs. Docx files are document files created in Microsoft Word. These files can be opened using Microsoft Word or with an open source text viewer such as Apache OpenOffice