The Minnesota Department of Transportation has collected pavement distress and ride data from the pavements in their system since 1967. In 1986, the data was analyzed to develop pavement performance prediction models that were based on the growth of pavement distresses such as cracking, rutting, and roughness. The analysis at that time was limited by the amount of data available and was considered to be an interim study. The amount and quality of data presently available has improved from that available in 1986 and new or improved models could be developed. The work involved the analysis of all of the pavement condition data collected since 1983 when improved collection procedures were implemented. A literature search was also conducted. The results of the study was the evaluation of pavement life and the development of mathematical models that describe the growth of the distresses rated and the change in roughness over time. Over 100 pavement groupings were evaluated. The groupings were selected on the bases of a variety of pavement attributes including surface type, functional class, and region (construction district). The life of the pavements were evaluated based on the number of years they remained in service and on the basis of performance indices. It was found that the number of years a pavement remains in service can not be used to infer performance potential since a number of pavements were rehabilitated for reasons other than condition; the predicted pavement condition provides a better indication of the performance life of a pavement. The prediction of future pavement performance is accomplished by using the distress growth models to predict the growth of the distresses; the future condition indices are than calculated from the predicted distress amounts.
The Mn/DOT Maintenance Operations has been evaluating RWIS technology for a number of years. Since 1988, RWIS sensors have been installed at 14 locations in the Metro area and the Duluth District. Recently, a Task Force was fanned to gather information regarding the evaluation of RWIS technology. The RWIS Task Force developed a report, RWIS Task Force Report to New Technology Research Committee, in 1993 which contains a plan for the development and installation of an RWIS in Minnesota, including costs and a projected schedule. The task that was remaining for the Task Force was to develop a report that identified and quantified the benefits that would result from an RWIS. This report is a synthesis, based on a literature review and interviews with people that are knowledgeable about RWIS, of the benefits of an RWIS. Much of the information regarding the benefit potential of an RWIS came from other agencies that have extensive experience, particularly Sweden.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has collected pavement distress and ride data from the pavements in their system since 1967. In 1986, the data was analyzed to develop pavement performance prediction models that were based on the growth of pavement distresses such as cracking, rutting, and roughness. The analysis at that time was limited by the amount of data available and was considered to be an interim study. The amount an quality of data presently available has improved from that available in 1986 and new or improved models could be developed. The work involved the analysis of all of the pavement condition data collected since 1983 when improved collection procedures were implemented. A literature search was also conducted. The results of the study was the evaluation of pavement life and the development of mathematical models that describe the growth of the distresses rated and the change in roughness over time. Over 100 pavement groupings were evaluated. The groupings were selected on the bases of a variety of pavement attributes including surface type, functional class, and region (construction district). The life of the pavements were evaluated based on the number of years they remained in service and on the basis of performance indices. It was found that the number of years a pavement remains in service can not be used to infer performance potential since a number of pavements were rehabilitated for reasons other than condition; the predicted pavement condition provides a better indication of the performance life of a pavement. The prediction of
future pavement performance is accomplished by using the distress growth models to predict the growth of the distresses; the future condition indices are than calculated from the predicted distress amounts.
This report presents waste materials and products for highway construction. The general legislation, local liability, and research projects relating to waste materials are outlined. The waste materials and products presented include waste paving materials, industrial ash materials, taconite tailing materials, waste tire rubber materials and products, building rubble materials, incinerator ash products and materials, waste glass materials, waste shingle materials and products, waste plastics products and slag materials. For each waste category, the legislation and restrictions, material properties, construction and application, field performance, and recycling at the end of service life if available are discussed. In addition, procedures for evaluation of and selection from waste alternatives are presented. Results from a survey sent to Minnesota city and county agencies are presented summarizing current practices in waste reuse for highway construction.
This report summarizes dust control procedures on unpaved roads used by various states and local agencies. The research results related to dust control are also outlined. The report starts with a brief introduction on dust problems associated with unpaved roads and three main dust control methods: chemical, mechanical, and administrative. Preliminary concepts and background of a temporary surface treatment for dust control are presented. The relative effectiveness of a dust control program is estimated based on traffic levels, road conditions and the climate. The report discusses various materials used in dust control, selection of a proper dust palliative, dust control procedures, and evaluation of a dust control program. Results from a survey sent to Minnesota city and county agencies are presented summarizing current dust control practices used on unpaved roads. The report concludes with evaluation and recommendations based on the survey results and as extensive literature review.
Pavement recycling is a necessity due to the diminishing supply of available construction materials and increasing regulations concerning the disposal of removed concrete and asphalt pavements. Since the 1950's and 60's recycling has grown to include hot and cold mix asphalt recycling, the use of crushed asphalt pavement as an aggregate base, and the use of Portland Cement concrete as an aggregate base, concrete
aggregate, and bituminous aggregate. Crack and seating and rubblizing of concrete pavement are also common forms of recycling in Minnesota.
The Minnesota Local Road Research Board (LRRB) requested that a report be written to provide information regarding the common methods of recycling, and to determine the status of recycling in Minnesota. This report outlines the recycling methods listed above, and gives specifications and mix designs for their use in Minnesota.
This document discusses photovoltaic products which make use of solar energy to power highway signs and signal lights in remote areas. Included are the location of some of these products, their effectiveness, costs associated with their use, transportability, and appropriate uses. Also included is a review of the experiences Hennepin County has had with solar energy.
Weak soils, such as peat and muck, have been a problem for engineers for as long as people have been building roads. In the past the most commonly selected alternatives when encountering weak soils was to go around the area, float an embankment over the weak soils, or remove the weak soils and replace them with a suitable material. Current economics and/or land restrictions result in highway departments too often traversing areas of weak soils without the funds to avoid or remove the weak soils. In situations where the in-place weak soils must be traversed, an available alternative may involve "floating" a road structure with a lightweight fill material for the road embankment.
This report describes how Acidulated Soybean Oil Soapstock can be used to control dust on low-volume roads in Minnesota. It discusses the costs and benefits of doing so for both MnDOT and the environment.
The Mn/DOT Standard Specification for aggregates contains several different classes of surfacing and base course aggregates. To effectively use and specify these aggregates, it is important that their performance be characterized, and guidelines for their use be established. This report will outline the properties of each aggregate class and detail the effect that the specifications have on the performance, stability, durability, and weathering of an aggregate surface course, base, and shoulder material.
