Highway Pavement Construction Research Articles

An appraisal of statistical and probabilistic models in highway pavements

Accurate performance prediction is crucial for safe and efficient travel on highway pavements. Within pavement engineering, statistical models play a pivotal role in understanding pavement behavior and durability. This comprehensive study critically evaluates a spectrum of statistical models utilized in pavement engineering, encompassing mechanistic-empirical, Weibull distribution, Markov chain, regression, Bayesian networks, Monte Carlo simulation, artificial neural networks, support vector machines, random forest, decision tree, fuzzy logic, time series analysis, stochastic differential equations, copula, hidden semi-Markov, generalized linear, survival analysis, response surface methodology and extreme value theory models. The assessment meticulously examines equations, parameters, data prerequisites, advantages, limitations, and applicability of each model. Detailed discussions delve into the significance of equations and parameters, evaluating model performance in predicting pavement distress, performance assessment, design optimization, and life-cycle cost analysis. Key findings emphasize the critical aspects of accurate input parameters, calibration, validation, data availability, and model complexity. Strengths, limitations, and applicability across various pavement types, materials, and climate conditions are meticulously highlighted for each model. Recommendations are outlined to enhance the effectiveness of statistical models in pavement engineering. These suggestions encompass further research and development, standardized data collection, calibration and validation protocols, model integration, decision-making frameworks, collaborative efforts, and ongoing model evaluation. Implementing these recommendations is anticipated to enhance prediction accuracy and enable informed decision-making throughout highway pavement design, construction, maintenance, and management. This study is anticipated to serve as a valuable resource, providing guidance and insights for researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders engaged in asphalt engineering, facilitating the effective utilization of statistical models in real-world pavement projects.

Influence of Calcium Carbide Residue on Corn Stalk Ash Stabilized Lateritic Soil for Highway Pavement Construction

The most common binder used for roads and buildings is cement, and its annual production rate is rising at an unprecedented rate, which has significant negative effects on the environment. This research investigated the effect of a varying percentage of Calcium Carbide Residue (CCR) and Corn Stalk Ash (CSA) samples on lateritic soils. A total of 25 mixture samples of CCR and CSA were prepared and mixed with lateritic soils to evaluate the mechanical and strength properties according to the Standard for transportation materials and methods of sampling and testing, AASHTO. The results showed that CCR has the property that reacts with CSA which is a good pozzolana yielding a product similar to the cement hydration process. Particle size analysis, Atterberg limits, Specific gravity, Compaction, and California Bearing Ratio were developed for each test sample, and the corresponding optimum mixtures were determined for the general specification for roads and bridges. Tests showed that in comparison to the control sample, there is an increase in the Atterberg limits properties with a decrease in the compaction properties and an increase in the CBR values upon the addition of 8% CCR and 2.5% CSA mixture before soaking and after soaking for 24 hours respectively which falls within the guidelines of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Highways and Transportation (1997). Similarly, CCR was found to be advantageous for use as an activator with CSA to stabilized soil as a sub-base material in Highway Pavement Construction.

Research on Energy Consumption Monitoring and Evaluation Technology for Asphalt Mixing Plants Based on the Internet of Things

The construction process of asphalt pavement in highway construction projects is a key link in energy consumption and emissions, and the production of asphalt mixing stations is the main energy consumption link of asphalt pavement. Currently, targeted energy consumption evaluation and monitoring of asphalt mixing stations still lack systematic research. This article first determines the evaluation indicators for energy conservation and emission reduction of asphalt pavement. By decomposing the energy consumption composition of the asphalt mixing station, a energy consumption evaluation system for the asphalt mixing station consisting of three parts: heating drum, asphalt heating and insulation system, and power system is established. After calculation, the predicted natural gas conversion rates for each ton of SMA-13 asphalt mixture in the upper layer, AC-20 asphalt mixture in the middle layer, and AC-25 asphalt mixture in the lower layer are 8.07, 7.41, and 6.87 m3, respectively. The predicted results fit well with the measured data. Finally, through the development of hardware and software, the energy consumption evaluation and monitoring of asphalt mixing stations based on the Internet of Things were achieved, which played a promoting role in the environmental protection evaluation of highway pavement construction.

Effect of Electric Arc Furnace Slag on the Engineering Properties of Lateritic Soil

It is imperative for geotechnical engineers to harness ways of improving lateritic soil with industrial waste materials in other to satisfy the required highway pavement construction. This work investigated the effect of Electric Arc Furnace Slag (EAFS) on the engineering properties of Lateritic soil. Tests to determine the X-Ray Florescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), grain size analysis and specific gravity of the soil sample and EAFS and the lateritic soil stabilization with varying percentages (0%, 4%, 8%, 12% and 16%) of EAFS using Atterberg limits, Compaction and Shear Strength were carried out. The soil sample was classified as A-7-5 (6) and ML according to American Association of State Highway Transportation Official (AASHTO) and Unified soil classification system while the silica-sesquioxide ratio and mineral contents showed that the soil is a lateritic soil as they contain both swelling and non-swelling clay minerals. The stabilized soil sample revealed that EAFS increases the maximum dry density (20.0KN/m3 to 25.0KN/m3) and decreases the optimum moisture content (18.50% to 13.00%) which could be attributed to the lower affinity of EAFS to water thus, improving the compaction properties. Also, the EAFS has significant effect on the strength parameters of the lateritic soil as it increases the shear strength from 551.11KN/m2 at virgin state to 974.44KN/m2 at 16% EAFS. Conclusively, electric arc furnace slag has positive influence on the geotechnical properties of the lateritic soil as it will not only solve the waste disposal problem but can be used as additive to improve the engineering properties of lateritic soil.

Analysis of Highway Construction Technology and Pavement Construction Quality Control

Analysis of Highway Construction Technology and Pavement Construction Quality Control

Construction Technology of Roller Compacted Concrete Pavement in Highway Pavement Construction

Construction Technology of Roller Compacted Concrete Pavement in Highway Pavement Construction

Performance of cement-stabilized weak subgrade for highway embankment construction in Southeast Nigeria

Soils with poor shear strength and high compressibility underlie the wetlands of southern Nigeria. They are susceptible to intolerable settlements and account for greater than 60% of the soils in the region. While requiring embankments for any infrastructure construction, these weak soils pose significant threat to the construction and service life of highway pavements in southeastern Nigeria. Therefore, this research investigates shear strength improvement of a highway embankment’s weak subgrade soil after mass stabilization of soil with 6 and 10% Portland cement. The factor of safety against shear failure of the embankment was analyzed for un-stabilized subgrade and then cement-stabilized subgrade. The analysis was carried out for embankment heights of 4, 5, 6 and 7 m using the limit equilibrium method. Thick soft clayey silt with Cu range of 9 to 15 kPa underlay the embankment, upon improvement, the Cu of 154 and 208 kPa was obtained for 6 and 10% stabilization respectively. The FoS for the embankment on Un-stabilized soil ranged from 0.88 for a 7 m embankment to 1.2 for a 4 m embankment. The FoS after mass stabilization of 1 to 5 m soil ranged between 1.77 and 5.22 for the different embankment heights. Stability was better improved as depth of mass stabilization and cement content increased. A linear relationship was observed to exist between the cement content, strength of the improved soils, stabilization depth and the factor of safety.

Key Construction Techniques of Asphalt Mixture Paving in Highway Pavement Construction

Key Construction Techniques of Asphalt Mixture Paving in Highway Pavement Construction

Key Construction Techniques of Asphalt Mixture Paving in Highway Pavement Construction

Key Construction Techniques of Asphalt Mixture Paving in Highway Pavement Construction

Discussion on Key Points and Common Problems of Quality Supervision in Highway Pavement Construction

Discussion on Key Points and Common Problems of Quality Supervision in Highway Pavement Construction

GEOTECHNICAL PROPERTIES AND AGGREGATE QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF MARL DEPOSIT IN AFIKPO AREA, SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA

Purpose: Marl is an impure limestone that is generally not good for cement production because of its low calcium carbonate content. Aggregates derived from marl deposit in Afikpo Area, Southeastern Nigeria, are currently being used in construction of concrete structures and highway pavements by construction companies and individuals. There is no published information on the suitability of the aggregates for such uses. The purpose of this study was to determine the suitability of the aggregates as components of concrete and highway pavements in terms of satisfying the non-swelling and acceptable strength characteristics / requirements.
 Methodology: Geotechnical tests including Atterberg limits (liquid limit, plastic limits and plasticity index), linear shrinkage and free swell were used to evaluate the swelling characteristics; while physico- mechanical tests including specific gravity, water absorption. Aggregate Crushing Values (ACV), Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) and Los Angele Abrasion Value (LAAV) were used to evaluate the strength characteristics. The field studies indicate that the marl deposit is associated with Ezeaku Formation of Lower Benue Trough. Results: Results of geotechnical tests indicate liquid limit, plasticity index, linear shrinkage and free swell values of 29.50%, 4.60%, 0.36% and 10.00%, respectively. Similarly, results of physico-mechanical tests indicate specific gravity, water absorption, ACV, AIV and LAAV values of 2.58%, 1.90%. 23.50% 29.45% and 42.70%, respectively.
 Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Since the results satisfy the non-swelling characteristics (plasticity index < 12%, linear shrinkage < 8% and free swell < 50%) and acceptable strength characteristics (water absorption < 3%, ACV < 30%, AIV < 30% and LAAV < 45%) requirements for good concrete and highway pavement aggregates, aggregates derived from marl deposit in Afikpo Area, Southeastern Nigeria, are strongly recommended to be used as aggregates in concrete and highway pavement construction.

Evaluation of Acceptance Risks through Percent within Limit for Highway Materials and Pavement Construction

The majority of State Highway Agencies now employ statistical-based specifications for the acceptance of highway materials and pavement construction. The parameters of these statistical acceptance plans are specified based on engineering judgment and may result in a high level of risk to both the agency and contractor. To appropriately apply such specifications to the pavement construction industry, the associated production quality (i.e., materials and construction variability) must be well understood by all parties involved, and its potential effects need to be assessed. To address this, the objective of this study is to quantify the risks to the agencies and contractors (i.e., Type I and Type II errors) associated with the use of both single and multiple acceptance quality characteristics through constructing operating characteristic curves. It is also the purpose of this study to provide guidelines to properly implement the key components of an acceptance plan and its associated statistics. The methodology and findings identified in this study can be applied elsewhere to evaluate the acceptance plans and the associated risks related to highway materials and pavement construction.

Highway Construction Technology and Pavement Construction Quality Control Analysis

Highway Construction Technology and Pavement Construction Quality Control Analysis

Study on mechanical properties testing of highway concrete pavement construction machinery materials

In order to solve the problems of large error and long time-consuming in the traditional mechanical property test methods, a new mechanical property test method for highway concrete pavement construction machinery materials is proposed. The relationship between the deformation component and the displacement component of the microstructure of the concrete pavement in the equilibrium coordinate system is obtained. The limit value of the critical thickness of the construction material of the highway concrete pavement is obtained by the second derivative function. Based on the analysis principle of AFM force curve, the relationship between mechanical materials and elastic modulus of highway concrete pavement construction is determined, and the performance analysis of highway concrete pavement construction mechanical materials is realised. The test results show that the error of mechanical properties analysis of highway concrete pavement construction machinery materials by the proposed method is only 0.3%, and the test time is short.

Study on mechanical properties testing of highway concrete pavement construction machinery materials

Study on mechanical properties testing of highway concrete pavement construction machinery materials

Strength analysis of concrete pavement deformation due to Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR)

Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR) is a chemical reaction that negatively affects concrete pavements strengths and integrity. ASR impedes concrete pavements' performance due to the formation of cracks and ultimate deformation if not properly controlled. Concrete pavements are gaining more relevance due to their ability to be constructed on soils with low bearing capacity and support high traffic loadings, thus increasing the need for studies on how ASR in the concrete pavements can be mitigated. This study employed compressive and flexural strength tests to determine the strength properties and deformation of concrete pavements due to ASR when partially replaced with CBA at varying percentages. Static structural modelling of the concrete as a multiphase material in which aggregates, cracks and gel formations are considered as embedded inclusions in the cement paste is then carried out. The results are then compared with relevant standards and findings of other researchers. The study's findings reveal that all the concrete cube samples passed the recommended compressive strength for rigid pavement, which range from 35 - 40 N/mm2 at 28th day. The concrete cube samples also passed the target strength of 48.25 N/mm2 obtained from the mix design. The effect of ASR resulted in lower compressive and flexural strengths observed at 180th and 240th days with lower CBA addition, while samples containing higher CBA contents had increasing compressive strength. The static structural modelling results reveal that the maximum deformation was obtained for the concrete cubes admixed with 0% CBA with 47.045 mm while the least deformation was obtained at 30% CBA replacement with deformation value of 5.542 mm on application of a 900 KN force. Therefore, the study posits that CBA addition will help reduce Portland Cement Concrete Pavement deformation due to ASR in relation to traffic loadings. Cite as: Adanikin A, Falade F, Olutaiwo A. Strength analysis of concrete pavement deformation due to Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR). Alg. J. Eng. Tech. 2020; 3: 020-027. http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4400227 References Hajighasemali S, Ramezanianpour A, Kashefizadeh M. The effect of alkali–silica reaction on strength and ductility analyses of RC beams. Magazine of concrete research. 2014;66(15):751-760. Grimal E, Sellier A, Multon S, Le Pape Y, Bourdarot E. Concrete modelling for expertise of structures affected by alkali aggregate reaction. Cement and Concrete Research. 2010 ;40(4):502-507. Monette LJ, Gardner NJ, Grattan-Bellew PE. Residual strength of reinforced concrete beams damaged by alkali-silica reaction—Examination of damage rating index method. Materials Journal. 2002 ;99(1):42-50. Huaquan YA, Zhen LI, Meijuan RA, Xiaomei SH. Study on Influence of Aggregate Combination and Inhibition Material ofAlkali-silica Reaction in Fully-Graded Concrete. Materials Science. 2020;26(3):363-372. Malhotra VM, Mehta PK. High-performance, high-volume fly ash concrete: materials, mixture proportioning, properties, construction practice, and case histories. Supplementary Cementing Materials for Sustainable Development, Incorporated. Ottawa Canada, 2002: 101p. Falade F, Ikponmwosa E, and Fapohunda C. Potential of Pulverized Bone as a Pozzolanic material. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research. 2012; 3(7): 1-6. Evon, D. Is This ‘Goliath Skeleton’ Real? Retrieved from: https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/is-this-goliath-skeleton-real/; (2018). BS 1881-116. Testing concrete. Method for determination of compressive strength of concrete cubes. 1983. ASTM, C78M. Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Concrete (Using Simple Beam with Third-Point Loading). ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA. 2018. Ahmed T, Burley E, Rigden S, Abu-Tair AI. The effect of alkali reactivity on the mechanical properties of concrete. Construction and Building Materials. 2003;17(2):123-144. Smaoui N, Berube MA, Fournier B, Bissonnette B, Durand B. Effects of alkali addition on the mechanical properties and durability of concrete. Cement and concrete research. 2005;35(2):203-12. Ankit K. Kisku N. Effect of silica fume and fly ash as partial replacement of cement on strength of concrete. International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology. 2016;5(10), 18618 – 18624. Subbaramaiah G, Sudarsana HR, Vaishali GG. Effect of addition and partial replacement of cement by wood waste ash on strength properties of structural grade concrete. International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology. 2015; 2(9): 736-743 Olutaiwo AO, Yekini OS, Ezegbunem II. Utilizing Cow Bone Ash (CBA) as partial replacement for cement in highway rigid pavement construction. SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering. 2018; 5(2): 13-19. Adanikin A, Falade F, Olutaiwo AO, Faleye ET. Ajayi AJ. Investigation of the effect of Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) on Properties of Concrete Pavement Admixed with Cow Bone Ash (CBA) by Electrical Resistivity Method. IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 2019, 640(1): 1-9 Kadyali LR. Lal NB. Principles and practices of highway engineering including expressways and airport engineering. (Khanna Publishers, New Delhi). 2014. Marzouk H. Langdon S. The effect of alkali aggregate reactivity on the mechanical properties of high and normal strength concrete. Cement and Concrete Composites. 2003;25: 549–556. Giaccio G, Zerbino R, Ponce JM, Batic OR. Mechanical behavior of concretes damaged by alkali-silica reaction. Cement and Concrete Research. 2008;38(7):993-1004.

Laboratory study on recycled concrete aggregate based asphalt mixtures for sustainable flexible pavement surfacing

Utilisation of recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) for highway pavement construction has been a sustainable attempt towards conservation of the natural resource base as well as mitigation against the environmental problems associated with harmful solid waste disposal. The performances of asphalt mixtures with 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of coarse granite as well as 100% of coarse and fine granite replaced by RCA, for flexible pavement surfacing, have been evaluated in this paper. The mixture containing 100% granite was used as control. Marshal stability, flow, volumetric properties, resilient modulus, indirect tensile strength, moisture susceptibility, fatigue resistance, rutting resistance, impact strength, skid resistance, and abrasion resistance were tested for the mixes. With respect to resilient modulus and indirect tensile strength tests, the control mixture performed better than the RCA mixtures but the RCA mixtures generally performed better than the control in the other tests. The control recorded 9496 MPa and 1058 kPa for resilient modulus and indirect tensile strength respectively. These were comparable to the mix with 40% RCA with 9339 MPa and 1051.7 kPa resilient modulus and indirect tensile strength, respectively. It was concluded that RCA can be effectively utilised in asphalt mixtures but 40% RCA replacement is recommended for optimal pavement performance.

Assessment of the Influence of Nano Metakaolin filler on Asphalt Binder Rheological Properties

This paper investigates the effects of using nano metakaolin filler on the rheological properties of asphalt binder. In this work, asphalt binder of penetration grade 60 to 70 was prepared at three percentages (1%, 3%, and 5%) of asphalt weight using a high shear mixer fixed at 4,000 rpm for 60 min. Evaluations were then made of the properties of the modified asphalt binder such as the rotational viscosity, penetration grade, softening point temperature, temperature susceptibility, and ductility. The results of this work showed that the use of nano metakaolin filler as a modifier was helpful in improving asphalt binder properties. In general, it was found that the viscosity and softening point values increased, while the penetration value and temperature susceptibility (P.I.) values were reduced. The high shear mixing allowed good diffusion of nMK fillers into the asphalt binder, producing a homogenous composite binder. Additionally, the results showed that 5% nano metakaolin by asphalt weight was a reasonable additive to develop the rheological properties, increasing the softening point and viscosity values by about 14 and 77%, respectively while developing higher percentages of reduction in penetration value and ductility value of about 30 and 18%, respectively, making this more applicable to the construction of highway pavements in hot weather conditions.

Validation of sequential pressure method for evaluation of the content of microvoids in air entrained concrete

The suitability of the sequential air pressure method (SAM) to evaluate the quality of air entrainment in concrete mix to support prediction of durability of hardened concrete was studied. The experiments included both laboratory-produced mixes and on-site trials on mixes delivered for highway pavement construction. The fresh air content and the air void distribution was tested using the SAM apparatus. The air content and the air void characteristics in hardened concrete was tested using the microscopic analysis on polished sections. Standard fresh mix properties were also tested and the compressive strength and salt-scaling resistance of concrete was determined. Effects of type and proportion of admixtures, type of crushed aggregate, timing of SAM measurements and the method of mix consolidation were analyzed. The relationship between the SAM number and the air void characteristics in hardened concrete was critically evaluated. The relationship between SAM number and the content of microvoids (A300) is found for the laboratory mixes and confirmed with few field test results. The criterion of SAM number ≤ 0.4 is proposed for the target microvoids content A300 ≥ 1.5% and the enhanced salt scaling resistance of concrete.

Large-Scale and Bench-Scale Test Systems for Assessing Impact of Geogrids on Pavements Founded on Problematic Soils

Abstract Geogrid reinforcement is an economically viable alternative to achieve improved performance in highway pavement construction in regions with soft problematic subgrade soils. To examine the potential benefits of using geogrids in pavement foundations, measurement of permanent deformation using laboratory triaxial tests is typical practice. However, since the performance improvement of pavement foundation systems is achieved by distribution of vertical stresses at the reinforcing layer through the tensile properties of the geogrid material, it is desirable to conduct large-scale testing to more accurately monitor the behavior of the geogrid-reinforced aggregate and soil system. This article describes the development of laboratory large-scale and bench-scale pavement testing systems to evaluate the behavior of geogrid-reinforced pavement systems through wheel tests performed with problematic subgrade soils found in North Georgia. The large-scale test specimens are prepared in a 1.8 (6 ft) by 1.8 (6 ft) by 0.6 m (2 ft) metal box and consist of 305 mm (12 in.) of unbound aggregate base (UAB) overlying 305 mm (12 in.) of subgrade soil. Geogrid is placed at the interface between the subgrade soil and UAB layer. Pressure sensors are installed near the bottom of the UAB layer and near the top and bottom of the subgrade layer to monitor stress distributions within the pavement foundation system. The bench-scale system, which measures 914 (36 in.) by 203 (8 in.) by 152 mm (6 in.) is also described. This system is advantageous because not only does it expedite rapid testing but also allows for relative micro- and macroscale comparisons of aggregate-geogrid behavior. This article presents test results showing vertical stress variations obtained experimentally in the UAB and subgrade soils under simulated traffic tire loading. The two systems are shown to be effective in establishing the influence of geogrid reinforcement in pavement systems.