Update on R&D program

MnDOT meeting at TRBInternational Partnership Day

January 17, 2013

Leif Bakløkk

Background for the program- The biggest challenges in Norway:

1. Rehabilitation of old roads

Much of today’s road network was constructed many years ago and need rehabilitation.Rebuilding these roads to satisfy our current requirements is a big challenge.Solutions that are not optimal neither technically nor economically are often chosen for budgetary reasons.

2. Production quality for asphalt pavements

Based on observed distresses, we see that, in Norway, there is a need for improvement in:

1. Homogeneity (Segregation)2. Compaction (void content)3. Joints4. Tack coat5. Quality of workmanship

Annual maintenance budget for asphalt pavements is ca. 2 billion NOK– Small improvements in pavement service life can give big economic benefits.

3. Effective production methods

• Big construction machines make the work go fast and effectively

• Little time to adjust when unexpected conditions occur

• Little time to conduct appropriate quality control

• Little time for consolidation settlements to occur during construction phase

This demands the use of “robust construction materials” that suit today’s construction methods

4. Lack of competent professionals• Many experienced professionals have

left or are going to retire soon.• Few young people take education in

this area• We have a big challenge to attract

competent professionals in this area

5. Contracts and economy are decisive• Today we see a strong focus on

economy and completion time. Less emphasis is often put on the quality of workmanship.

• Good contracts demand good documentation and guidelines.

• The system of internal control is not working satisfactorily and should be followed up with client control in addition.

6. Climate change

We expect more rain and increased average temperature• The roads must withstand more

water/moisture

• Increased risk of erosion and avalanches:Scouring of bridge foundations is a problem

• Changing conditions for freeze-thaw: More freeze-thaw cycles in some areas – fewer in others

• Roads have to be built at elevated levels near rivers and the sea

Large part of climate change that is expected to occur before the period 2070-2100 has already come

7. More focus on the environment

• Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA)

• Recycling - less consumption of natural resources

• LCA/LCC

• Carbon footprint - CO2 emission

• Low noise pavements

• Rolling resistance

8. Greater demand from users

• Increased demand for better condition and accessibility of the road network

• Need/demand to use larger axle loads and tire pressures (to save fuel)

• Less possibility to work on the roads (Traffic disruption)

• Supply of road capacity has not kept pace with the rising demand for road transport (ref.: Adnan Rahman)

Program period 2011 - 2014 Three main topics (focus areas) form the work packages of the program:

1. Road surfacing2. Pavement design and

strengthening/rehabilitation3. Knowledge dissemination and

implementation

The budget is 20 mill. NOK (3,6 mill. USD) for direct expenses and procurement of services.

Solutions, products and deliverables from the program

Work package 1: Road surfacing1. A report on status of the production quality2. Testing and documentation of homogeneity using thermal

camera3. Documentation of homogeneity using ViaPPS (laser

scanner for pavement condition registration)4. Control of production quality for:

– Longitudinal joints– Tack coat

5. Investigation of performance-related test methods for:– Deformation properties– Wear resistance properties

6. Testing of epoxy asphalt7. Monitoring of test sections containing PMB

Report on status of production quality

Joints Tack coat

Problems which have significant effect on service life are documented– Improvement in requirements is important!

Thermal camera is a useful tool for improving the quality

Monitoring with thermal cameraShows good homogeneity in the longitudinal direction

Poor homogeneity in the lateral direction

Measurement of homogeneity using ViaPPS (Laser scanner)

Performance–related requirements – resistance to deformation

More focus on asphalt mix design

Compaction

Use of PMB when necessary

Assessment of the deformation properties of the Norwegian asphalt mixtures has started (Wheel-track on field samples)The aim is to set requirements for deformation resistance for field samples

Other on-going and planned activities

1. Effect of fines content on the properties of asphalt

2. Monitoring of LTA (WMA) sections3. Use of rubber in asphalt4. Mix design, look at volume-based mix design5. Durability of asphalt pavements, PhD work

Design of roads

The Norwegian design system will be changedMajor points:– More strict requirements for frost protection– Updated data for traffic loading based on data from new

WIM measurements– Robust solutions based on cost-benefit analysis

Foundation materialsFrost heave on new roads shows that improving the frost protection is necessary. More strict requirements for materials in the sub-base and frost protection layers.Improved quality control in the construction phaseWe work towards fewer options in choice of base course materials, and want robust solutions that are suitable for today’s production methods and climate loadingStopped using blasted rock in the sub-base layer, materials must be crushed and sieved.

Reduction in damage and rutting due to narrow roads/shoulders

Cost/benefit analysis of building stronger and wider roads

Alt. 0 – Current standard

Alt. 1 – Design guide standard

Alt. 2 – Improved (robust) standard

Axle load measurement; assesment of real traffic loading

Installed 9 weigh-in-motion (WIM) measurement points, gives detailed data for the heavy traffic;

- Weight- Axle loads- Axle load distribution

Updated input to design and performance prediction models

Compaction Control

CCC and GPSThe use of Continuous Compaction Control and GPS is a major advance.

Intelligent compactionThe compaction work is being improved much with the use of Intelligent compaction where the amplitude is adjusted to the stiffness of the layer being compacted.

Cooperation on GPR

Nordic projectAnne Lalague’s

stay in Minnesota

Future planning of rehabilitation

Laser scanning may give us the geometry and condition of the road surface and side terrainGPR can provide information on the structural construction and condition of the pavementThe data is processed in 3D applications for further use

Dissemination of knowledge

• Communications plan

• Home page http://www.vegvesen.no/varigeveger

• Information in journals, contribution to conferences and courses

• Scientific publication; international conferences, refereed journals etc

Implementation in the pavement design manual and contract documents

Continuous on-going process;

Important to get the research results quickly implemented.

Guidelines

We aim to create several new guidelines:

Rehabilitation Quality of production of asphalt pavements Compaction Frost protection and design Use of recycled asphalt Use of recycled concrete Drainage

Training course and educational materials

1. Offer State-of-the-art training in Norway in the subject

2. Development of lectures and presentations (diverse topics) that may be used in different courses and modules

3. Textbook for road construction/road technology

Dessimination; Course and trainingGreat need for development and transfer of expertise – updated training materials;

- inside NPRA- in the industry- at teaching institutions. (all levels)

Conducted earlier:New text book in operation and maintenance 2011;

Aim:

- Develop course in road technology suited to the different functions and topics

- Course material that can be used by many/ at different levels/ for different courses.

- Text book in road technology

«Wisdom is something that comes with age …

…but sometimes age comes alone»

More information: www.vegvesen.no/varigeveger

Tank you for your attention!