Completed

13-2 HMA Mixtures Containing Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS): Low Temperature and Fatigue Performance of Plant-Produced Mixtures

Project Objectives

The goal of this research is to evaluate plant-produced HMA mixtures that contain RAS to identify the critical material properties and plant operations needed to produce RAS mixtures with fatigue and low temperature cracking properties equivalent (or better than) typical mixtures that are produced. Research objectives:

Determine the current state-of-practice for recycled shingle usage in paving mixtures.
Locate regional asphalt mixture producers in New England with capabilities and willingness to produce mixtures incorporating RAS for this study. From this list of producers, select producers so that both batch and drum plant are utilized for production.
Assist the selected producers in evaluating the properties of the RAS and RAP to be used in production.
Construct a matrix of mixtures that will be produced. An all-virgin material control mixture, 5% RAS mixture and a 5% RAS + RAP mixture will be designed.
Assist the selected producers in developing laboratory mixture designs utilizing RAS that meet the required volumetric criteria.
Produce the mixtures using a batch plant and drum plant. Produce mixtures assuming 100% blending of the RAS and virgin binder and at the calculated actual RAS binder contribution.
Sample the mixture at the plant and verify volumetric properties. Mixtures not meeting the volumetric properties should be produced again with alteration to the production parameters (use higher temperatures, longer silo storage or increased mixing times).
Construct a matrix for evaluating the performance of the mixtures with emphasis of low temperature and fatigue cracking. The matrix should contain a component to evaluate the effect of aging on the degree of blending between aged and virgin binders.
Identify critical material properties and plant operations that yield RAS mixtures with performance properties equivalent to typical all-virgin material mixtures.
Develop a guideline for the use of RAS in virgin and RAP mixtures.

Progress/Accomplishments Through March 31, 2015

UMass Dartmouth contacted several producers of asphalt mixtures in New England about their availability and willingness to participate in the study. One contractor located in Massachusetts agreed to produce the necessary mixtures to fulfill the objectives of the study.
Work commenced on the literature review for this project.
UMass Dartmouth continued to contacted several producers of asphalt mixtures in New England about their availability and willingness to participate in the study. Due to inclement weather no mixtures were able to be produced this quarter.

Technical Committee Members

Denis M. Boisvert (Chairperson), New Hampshire Department of Transportation
Michael Byrne, Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Leo Fontaine, Connecticut Department of Transportation
Edmund Naras, Massachusetts Highway Department
Derek J. Nener-Plante, Maine Department of Transportation

13-1 Development of High Early-Strength Concrete for Accelerated Bridge Construction Closure Pour Connections

Project Objectives

To develop and validate concrete mixtures capable of developing high early strength without detrimentally affecting their long-term durability. The mixtures are for use in projects using accelerated bridge construction methods.

Technical Committee Members

Maura Sullivan (Chairperson), Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Dan John, New Hampshire Department of Transportation
Rob Young, Vermont Agency of Transportation
Christopher Hart, Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Ali Jamalipour, Connecticut Department of Transportation
José Lima, Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Michael Redmond, Maine Department of Transportation

Implementation Activities

MaineDOT feels the results would allow them to specify this type of concrete without using an expensive proprietary mix. However, the use of fly ash in the mix is sometimes hard to acquire. Two states feel that additional research is required before implementation of results can be considered.

10-3 Low Temperature and Moisture Susceptibility of RAP Mixtures with Warm Mix Technology

Project Objectives

The research project will evaluate the moisture susceptibility and low temperature cracking properties of RAP mixtures produced with WMA technologies. Plant mixtures produced with varying RAP contents and warm mix technologies will be sampled. Laboratory testing will include an evaluation of mixtures susceptibility to moisture damage using one or more of the following tests: (1) AASHTO T324 “Hamburg Wheel-Track Testing of Compacted Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)”, (2) AASHTO T-283 “Resistance of Compacted Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) to Moisture-Induced Damage”, and (3) ratio of wet to dry dynamic modulus measured at 20ºC. The test(s) selection will be based on the literature review conducted under Task 1. Also, the low temperature cracking susceptibility will be evaluated using the following two tests: (1) AASHTO TP10-93 “Standard Test Method for Thermal Stress Restrained Specimen Tensile Strength (TSRST)” and (2) AASHTO T322 “Standard Method of Test for Determining the Creep Compliance and Strength of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Using the Indirect Tensile Test Device.” Additional testing will include evaluating the effect of the different WMA technologies on the workability of the mixtures and evaluating the degree of blending between the RAP binder and the virgin binder using a procedure developed by Bonaquist.

PROGRESS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS THROUGH MARCH 31, 2015:

UMass Dartmouth hosted the project Kick-Off Meeting on February 7th, 2014. UMass Dartmouth conducted two phone meetings with two contractors (Palmer Paving – MA, & Tilcon – CT) who will produce mixtures for this study. Due to plant limitations, the batch plant mixtures may not be produced in 2014, but may be produced in 2015. The remaining mixtures are scheduled to be produced in late April or early May 2014. UMass Dartmouth will be on site during production for sampling and specimen production. A production information sheet was developed to be utilized to quantify the critical production parameters related to the mixtures. UMass Dartmouth updated the internet survey based on the comments obtained during the Kick-Off Meeting. Subsequently, UMass Dartmouth began the process of loading the surveys onto the internet system for solicitation of responses.
UMass Dartmouth conducted additional meetings with the two contractors, (Palmer Paving – MA, & Tilcon – CT). Based on the additional meetings, the production matrix was updated. UMass Dartmouth updated a list of state agencies and contractors that will be targeted to complete the surveys.
UMass Dartmouth conducted additional meetings with the two contractors, (Palmer Paving – MA, & Tilcon – CT) to determine when the mixtures will be produced. Each responded they will be produced in the fall of 2014. In September 2014, UMass Dartmouth formally requested a no additional cost time extension for this project of twelve month (new end date 9/15/2016). The basis of the request is that the contractors have not produced or provided the mixtures required for this study. Recently, the contractors informed the PI that the mixtures should be produced very soon in the fall of 2014. Therefore, an extension is needed as the testing will require sixteen months for completion (as listed in the proposal). UMass Dartmouth is waiting for a response on this time extension request. UMass Dartmouth continued work on Task 1: Literature Review and Task 2: Determine Critical Information (Survey).
Tilcon CT produced 12.5mm mixtures required for this study on 10/11/14. UMass Dartmouth was on-site during production to sample each mixture and document production parameters (RAP moisture content, etc.). UMass Dartmouth began verifying the volumetric properties of each produced mixture. The mixtures verified did not meet the volumetric properties. The contractor assured UMass Dartmouth that these mixtures will be reproduced again during spring 2015.
UMass Dartmouth contacted Tilcon CT about reproducing the mixtures produced in October 2014 that did not meet the required volumetric properties.
UMass Dartmouth contacted the other contractor (Palmer Paving) who agreed to produce mixture for this study. This contractor stated that they will produce the mixtures in April or May 2015.
An additional contractor was contacted (PJ Keating) to determine if they would help with producing the mixtures for this study in the event one of the selected contractors cannot supply the mixtures.

Technical Committee Members

Denis M. Boisvert (Chairperson), New Hampshire Department of Transportation
Michael Byrne, Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Bryan Engstrom, Massachusetts Department of Transportation
David J. Kilpatrick, Connecticut Department of Transportation

09-3 Advanced Composite Materials in New England’s Transportation Infrastructure: Design, Fabrication and Installation of ACM Bridge Drain System

Project Objectives

Design and fabricate a standard FRP drain that can be produced economically for use throughout New England bridges; and
Install the fabricated drain system in two to three representative bridge applications in New England to provide information on its performance, ease of construction, and cost.

Progress/Accomplishments Through March 31, 2015

Draft specifications were submitted to committee – Final versions ready for submittal
Reports for task 1, 2 and 3 were drafted and submitted
Potential demonstration projects were identified.
Vendor witness plates received for ACO and Kenway. Vendors were screened and selected for participation.
Drain designs from participating DOTs were collected for review and comparison.
Material properties were reviewed and evaluated for inclusion to the specifications
Specifications were re-written to comply to the FHWA specification format.
Questionnaire drafted and circulated to DOTs regarding problem areas and best practices as viewed by design and field maintenance departments.
Demonstration projects in Bangor, ME and Richmond, ME were visited and installations of FRP bridge drains were documented. One project in Westbrook, ME has the specification from this project available for bid and closed on December 10, 2014. This bridge uses 8 FRP bridge drains with specifications from this project with and average line item price of all 5 contractors bidding of $2,900 each (range of $2,000 to $3,500 ea).
Materials testing for baseline strength and durability specimens of ACO and Kenway specimens were completed. FRP Bridge Drain Pipe/Grace composites have baseline control values completed. Durability testing is on going.
An additional supplier of FRP bridge drains was identified who provide the drains for the Richmond-Dresden bridge project in Maine. This company is United Fiberglass of America in Springfield, OH.
Task 4 – Product validation: baseline mechanical properties and durability
- The laboratory tests to assess environmental durability and generate mechanical properties for the three vendors (Kenway, ACO, and Grace Composites – FRP Bridge Drain Pipe) were completed. Draft reports summarizing baseline mechanical properties and durability performance based on coupon tests for three vendors were submitted to the Technical Committee.
Tasks 5 and 6 – Document installation of FRP drains in bridges
- Contacted Maine DOT to coordinate the monitoring of the Westbrook Bridge FRP drains installation, which is scheduled for construction in the fall.

Technical Committee Members

Dale Peabody (Chairperson), Maine Department of Transportation
Kevin Daigle, New Hampshire Department of Transportation
Ali Jamalipour, Connecticut Department of Transportation
Christopher Mooney, Vermont Agency of Transportation

09-2 Effective Establishment of Native Grasses on Roadsides

Project Objectives

To build a comprehensive knowledgebase for a gradual transition toward sustainable native roadside vegetation cover which will support transportation goals for safety and infrastructure reinforcement while providing economic, ecological and aesthetic advantages. The direct deliverables to the New England Departments of Transportation include the Manual with guidelines for the effective establishment of native grasses on roadsides in New England and a model for an accelerated adoption and commercialization of this novel ecological restoration approach.

Progress/Accomplishments Through March 31, 2015

Two investigators – Kuzovkina and Dreyer – attended the Ecological Landscape Symposium: New Directions in the American Landscape on January 9-10, 2014 at the Connecticut College Arboretum to gather relevant information for the Manual and to meet the practitioners in the field of ecological restoration. Kuzovkina and Schulthess conducted the candidate search and interviewing through the American Society for Horticultural Sciences for the Graduate Assistant position to work on this project. February 26, 2014 all co-PIs and candidate for the Graduate Assistant John Campanelli met with the practitioner Larry Weaner at the Connecticut College Arboretum to discuss the selection of native grasses for demonstration sites along Rt. 6 in Connecticut. January-March 2014 all co-PIs conducted the literature search to access all relevant information for the Manual. February-March 2014 – development of the specifications of native grass plantings for the demonstration sites. 5 March, 2014 – phone discussion with Colonial Seed LLC about the plant specifications for the demonstration sites. February-April 2014 communication with Dr. Rebecca Brown from the University of Rhode Island about the project: development of the bluestem ecotype study and discussion of the specifications for the demonstration sites. March 25, 2014 – Kuzovkina visited the University of Delaware to communicate with the colleagues – Susan Barton and Valann Budischak – working on similar DOT project in Delaware. Discussion about saw-dust establishment protocol. March 29-31, 2014 – John Campanelli initiated seed ordering from Ernst Conservation Co.
John Campanelli was hired for the Graduate Assistant position to work on this project. He conducted the literature search for the appropriate mixture of native seeds to establish demonstration plots.
April 12 – Cristian Schulthess and John Campanelli collected soil samples from the proposed demonstration sites along Rt. 6
April 23 Kuzovkina and Schulthess met with Don Woodall from Colonial Seed Co at the road sites to discuss the project
Colonial Seed Company, CT was consulted during April-May for the protocols suitable for the establishments of demonstration plots.
CT DOT managers were contacted in order to obtain the permit for the establishment of three demonstration sites along Rt. 6. The meeting with the DOT managers was scheduled for May 9 2014 to inspect the sites to confirm the suitability of obtaining permit. The permit was obtained on May 14, 2014.
May 20, 2014 all co-PIs, Colonial Seed Co and other consultants on the project met at the proposed demonstration sites along Rt. 6 to confirm the establishment protocols. The seeding protocols include the use of a seed drill, hydroseeding, use of sawdust, and use of a Jacobsen overseeder.
CT DEEP was contacted to assist with the Truax drill and to provide an operator for the establishment of one demonstration site. Uconn Landscaping was scheduled to conduct the hydroseeding, and Colonial Seed to conduct the overseeding.
Establishment of the demonstration sites along Rt. 6:
May 14, 2014 – all demonstration sites were sprayed with RoundUp non-selective herbicide
May 21, 2014 – all demonstration sites were mowed and raked
May 27, 2014 – a site with saw-dust application was planted
May 28, 2014 – a site was hydroseeded with two levels of mulch
May 29, 2014 – a site was planted with the Truax seed drill
June 3, 2014 – a site was seeded with the Jacobsen overseeder.
June 11, 2014 – two botanists from the Arnold Arboretum visited the sites to conduct a survey of existing native and introduced vegetation along Rt. 6.
By-weekly site inspections were conducted throughout June to observe the germination and establishment rates.
July 8, 2014 Inspection of the demonstration sites with Mark Lavoi from the Colonial Seed Co to assess the early establishment success of plantings and herbicide needs.
Campanelli visited a meadow in Western Connecticut installed by the DEEP using a TRUAX seed drill in spring 2014 (Trust Land location: 262 Grantville Rd, Winsted, CT).
November 21, 2014: Native plant specialist Mark Brownlee from American Native Plant Nursery

Maintenance of the demonstration sites along Rt. 6

During July 1-September 30:
- Kuzovkina and Campanelli conducted weekly visits to the three sites to evaluate the germination rates of grasses and forbs as well as weed pressure.
- Botanists from the Arnold Arboretum were consulted to assist with the identification of native and introduced plant species along Rt. 6.
July 8, 2014: Inspection of the demonstration sites along Rt. 6 with Mark Lavoi from the Colonial Seed Co to assess the early establishment success of plantings as well as herbicide needs.
July 28, 2014: Application of Quinclorac to control crabgrass (sites 1 and 2) and SpeedZone to control dicots weeds(the hillside near site 1).
August 8: Inspection of the demonstration sites along Rt. 6 with Don Woodall from the Colonial Seed Co. to discuss management strategies.
August 31-5: Applications of Round Up and Plateau to the newly established small plots along Rt.6 to study the augmentation of pre-existing native populations approach.
September 29: Inspection of the demonstration sites along Rt. 6 with Glenn Dreyer from the Colonial Seed Co to discuss management strategies.
August 7: Kuzovkina and Campanelli visited a meadow in Western Connecticut installed by Larry Weaner.
September 30: Participation in the Colonial Seed Company Open House to discuss various protocols for the establishment of native grasses and forbs.
October 15, 2014: Campanelli established native cool-season grass plots
December 1, 2014: Kuzovkina and Campanelli prepared clay balls with native grass seeds for dormant seeding
December 15, 2014: Campanelli established dormant seeding plots using clay balls and direct seeding
Discussion of the treatments for field installation in spring 2015 is in progress.

Survey and Interviews

Ricard and Campanelli developed a survey instrument based on the qualitative research approach to survey the New England DOT officers. The actual face-to-face interviews will be conducted during October-November.
November 17, 2014 – interview with the RI DOT managers
December 8, 2014 – interview with the Maine DOT managers
December 22, 2014 – interview with the New Hampshire DOT managers
January 6, 2015 – scheduled to interview the Massachusetts DOT managers
January 6, 2015 – interviewed the Massachusetts DOT
Throughout January-February 2015: The attempts to schedule a visit to interview the Vermont DOT managers were unsuccessful (contacted 8 times Bill Ahearn and his colleagues by e-mail and phone).
March 2015: The decision was made to proceed with the interview analyses without input from Vermont. The complete transcripts for 5 states, visited during October-January, were prepared and analyses were completed. The write-up is in preparation.

Other projects

July 1-August 31- establishment of a demonstration garden at the UConn Research Farm which includes native grasses and forbs suitable for New England roadsides; this garden serves for educational purposes and for the preparation of a portfolio of pictures which will be used for the Manual.
July 1-August 31 – establishment of the research plots for the bluestem ecotype study at the UConn Research Farm; this study will characterize and compare 12 ecotypes of little bluestem from various states of New England, Pennsylvania and New York to determine which ecotypes should be used for the roadsides in New England.

Technical Committee Members

Robert Mossmann (Chairperson), Maine Department of Transportation
Barbara Rollins, New Hampshire Department of Transportation
George Batchelor, Massachusetts Highway Department
Susan L. Fiedler, Connecticut Department of Transportation

07-1 In-Place Response Mechanisms of Recycled Layers Due to Temperature and Moisture Variations

Project Objectives

The main objective of this research is to determine the in-place properties of pavement cross-sections containing recycled materials common to the New England region, and to relate changes in those properties to variations in temperature and moisture. The study will focus primarily on obtaining field data from base layers (as opposed to asphalt surface layers) that have been constructed with different types of unbound or bound recycled layers such as full depth reclamation (with or without stabilizing additives), plant mix recycled asphalt pavement (PMRAP), or foamed asphalt. The research team will work with the NETC advisory board members to identify appropriate field sites where the pavement design is clearly documented and where pavement performance can be linked to factors such as traffic loadings, moisture regimes and freeze-thaw effects. Laboratory testing will also be included to complement the analysis of in-place test data and instrumentation monitoring.

The importance of testing reclaimed layers with Falling Weight Deflectometer, evaluating the response at the different times of the year, and utilizing good practices during mix design and construction have been emphasized by multiple researchers. Based on their conclusions, the following testing and analysis plan is proposed for the study. In order to accomplish this research, five tasks have been established and are broken into two Phases.

Progress/Accomplishments Through March 31, 2015

The research team began testing on the two existing sites in NH. The Warren Flats site was tested on February 21 and on March 21. On both dates, thermistor data suggests that there was some temporary thawing down to about 5 inches beneath the top of pavement. In between those temporary thawing events, there have been refreezing events. Based upon forecast air temperatures and cumulative thawing indices, it is anticipated that the current thawing event (beginning March 28) is likely to continue with minimal or no refreezing. The first Kancamangus testing will thus likely be during early thaw conditions; frozen conditions will be tested in 2015. Testing of both the Warren Flats and Kancamangus sites will continue through the next quarter, to capture stiffness data during the thaw-weakened period as well as the recovery period. The research team has also been working with the ME DOT to identify an appropriate location for instrumentation on the PMRAP Waterford/Norway project.
Identification and partial instrumentation of two new sites in ME.
Instrumentation and testing of soils samples from the two new ME sites. ME Instrumentation Sites: The site located in Waterford, ME on Rt 118 was instrumented last quarter and the paving was completed over the summer. The site located on Rt 122 in Auburn ME was instrumented on August 21, 2014 once the full-depth reclamation with emulsion was done and before the surface layer was placed. The post for the data logger at this site will be installed in the coming quarter and data collection will begin. Field and Lab Tests for ME sites: During drilling operations for instrument installation, standard penetration testing (SPT) was conducted, and samples were obtained for laboratory testing. In the lab, sieve analysis and moisture content determination were performed on each sample, and then each sample was classified according to the USCS and AASHTO classification systems.
The instrumentation of the Auburn, ME site on Rt. 122 was completed and ME DOT conducted baseline FWD testing for the two sites. The research team contracted with Mr. Bob Eaton to have data loggers installed at the three NH Kancamagus sections to collect hourly temperature in the pavements through the winter and spring thaw period. The research team has also contracted with CRREL to conduct the FWD testing on the Warren Flats and Kancamagus sections during the winter and 2015 spring thaw and recovery season. ME DOT has generously agreed to conduct the FWD testing at the two ME locations during the winter and 2015 spring thaw and recovery season. The proposed plan for the FWD testing is listed below: Fall baseline (completed) 2. Frozen condition (Jan/early Feb) 3. Pre-thaw (late Feb/early March) 4. Weekly during thaw and early recovery 5. Bi-weekly through recovery 6. Early July
If possible, early thaw and refreeze events will also be captured. The research team will be monitoring the temperature data and air temperatures to determine the appropriate timing for the FWD teams to begin the weekly testing to capture the spring thaw. The research team held a web conference with the technical committee on December 5th to discuss the project status and plans. Additional questions were received after the meeting from TC member David Kilpatrick and the research team sent a response to all TC members on December 22nd.
This quarter (January to March 2015) has been focused on FWD testing at the NH and ME sites. The research team has been analyzing the temperature data to determine the appropriate timing for FWD tests at all sites, and several sets of FWD tests have been conducted at each site.
The data logger at the Waterford site was replaced and the issue with the thermistor string at Warren Flats was resolved. Currently, all four sites are collecting and transmitting data as expected.

Technical Committee Members

Dale Peabody (Chairperson ), Maine Department of Transportation
Laurence (Larry) Andrews, Massachusetts Highway Department
Denis M. Boisvert, New Hampshire Department of Transportation
Jeffrey DiFilippo, Rhode Island Department of Transportation
David J. Kilpatrick, Connecticut Department of Transportation