Enhancing Pavement Design
Recent ICT research optimized the structural design used for new hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavements for the busiest Illinois highways. The research included examining numerous HMA designs and the construction of instrumented full-depth HMA test sections. Full-scale testing of the sections was conducted using nondestructive testing techniques and the Accelerated Transportation Loading Assembly (ATLAS). The researchers used the results to validate developed pavement models capable of predicting the pavement response to vehicular loading. The researchers also conducted testing to compare laboratory predicted fatigue life to field performance. Their validated method provides a more efficient means for optimizing pavement design parameters.
The laboratory and field information generated during this project supports the use of an improved structural design procedure for HMA pavements based on Illinois materials and environment. Additionally, as a result of the project, ICT recommended a design approach that can save IDOT millions of dollars in pavement construction costs each year.
Principal Investigators: Sam Carpenter and Marshall Thompson
