Response and Performance of Flexible Pavement Test Sections with Stabilized Full Depth Reclamation Base at MnROAD

Three test sections were constructed in 2008 on Interstate 94 at the MnROAD test facility to study pavement performance with stabilized full depth reclamation base using engineered emulsion. Each section used a different emulsion content due to the inherent differences in the sections.

Pavement testing, including rut and crack measurements, was performed, along with falling weight deflectometer tests. The three sections had slight
increases in rutting from April 2009 to July 2009 but leveled off by September 2009. This was likely due to material consolidation, which is commonly observed for most asphalt pavements immediately after opening to traffic. The amount of rutting is still low, with most of rutting less than 0.15 inches. No cracking has been observed. FWD testing showed the least average deflection occurred in cell 3, but cell 4 was the stiffest material, based on the Area index.

Laboratory testing characterized the mechanical properties of the three mixtures. The testing results showed that the mixture used in cell3 has the highest dynamic modulus, slightly greater than cell 4 at most frequencies. Cell 3 also has the best fatigue life, which indicates that this mixture type is probably an optimal design in terms of material strength and performance. Ultimate performance, however, will be determined from field results, dependent on materials and design of all layers and construction quality. The sections were designed for 3.5 million ESALs in five years, and it must be pointed out that the sections are still in early stage of the study and performing well.

Prepared for presentation and publication at the 90th Annual Meeting of Transportation Research Board, January, 2011, Washington, D.C.