In June and July 2013, MnDOT constructed three new concrete pavement test sections or cells at the MnROAD facility. On MnROAD's Interstate 94 mainline, a 7.5 inch thick sustainable concrete pavement was constructed using a 75% recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) mix, to study the performance of recycled aggregates in new concrete. Geocomposite transverse joint drains and preformed neoprene joint seals were also incorporated into this test section. Also on the MnROAD mainline, new bonded concrete overlays of distressed asphalt pavement (BCOA) test sections were built. These BCOA or whitetopping test cells were built with 4 and 5 inch thick fiber reinforced concrete slabs. On MnROAD's Low Volume Road loop, a 3 inch thick ultra-thin unbonded concrete overlay was constructed over two different thicknesses of geotextile fabric interlayer. The concrete overlay also contained structural fibers in the mix. This report documents the design, construction, field testing, sampling and testing, and sensor instrumentation associated with these new test sections. Additionally, a thin 5 inch concrete pavement (cell 32) on the low volume road was repaired and retrofitted with unique load transfer devices; post-repair diamond grinding was performed. The pervious concrete overlay test cell (Cell 39) was ground to ascertain 1) whether slurry from grinding operations significantly impair the permeability. Details about the cells: Mainline sustainable concrete pavement and whitetopping: Cells 613, 140 & 240, and 160-163 (SP 8680-169); Low-volume thin unbonded concrete overlay with geosynthetic interlayer and pervious pavement rehab: Cells 32, 39 (SP 8680-170).
Minnesota's M-E design program began as a Mn/DOT-funded research project at the University of Minnesota in the mid 1990's. The outcome of that research was a computer program called ROADENT. In 2000, Mn/DOT expanded the ROADENT software into a new design program called MnPAVE. This software was calibrated using existing R-Value and Soil Factor designs, and validated using MnROAD test sections. A statewide MnPAVE training program was conducted in 2002. The current project was funded by the Local Road Research Board to determine material properties and model calibrations for use on local road designs.
