Project publications may be ordered by contacting Dr. Ellen Thorson.

Project Objective

The objective of this research is to enable the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to expedite use of the new American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) 2002 Pavement Design Guide. The research will provide the NYSDOT with seasonal models to design pavements using mechanistic-empirical methods for some of the most critical sub grade soils and locations in New York State. For locations not included in this research (due to budget constraints), the report will provide a framework and methodology whereby the NYSDOT can develop additional seasonal models.

Project Abstract

The Cornell Local Roads Program is submitting this proposal in response to the New York State Department of Transportation Request for Proposals (RFP) C-01-54 DETERMINE SEASONAL VARIATIONS OF INSITU MATERIALS PROPERTIES. The results of this research will enable the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to expedite use of the new American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) 2002 Pavement Design Guide. The research will provide the NYSDOT with seasonal models to design pavements using mechanistic-empirical methods for some of the most critical subgrade soils and locations in New York State. For locations not included in this research (due to budget constraints), the report will provide a framework and methodology whereby the NYSDOT can develop additional seasonal models.

Task Descriptions

Cornell will perform FWD and laboratory testing on collected soil samples. NYSDOT will provide the on-site traffic control (M&PT) and site exploration (coring) to collect the soil samples for Cornell?s laboratory testing. Cornell will develop a limited number of seasonal models for pavement subgrades. Cornell will provide a framework for NYSDOT to develop additional models when and if additional FWD data from the monitoring sites become available.

Task 1 - Collect and Review Literature Using the resources of the NYSDOT and Cornell, as well as other sources such as the National Transportation Library, a list of relevant parameters will be developed. Possible seasonal models will be investigated and discussed with the Technical Working Group (TWG). A summary report from the literature review will be provided to the NYSDOT.

Task 2 - Update Work Plan After the literature review, and in consultation with NYSDOT, a revised plan of work will be produced. The plan will include a designed experiment including a testing program to collect the required field and laboratory test data; a list of soils to be tested; and a framework for data analysis. A meeting with the TWG is expected near the end of this task.

Task 3 - Execute Work Plan Once NYSDOT approves the updated Work Plan, Cornell will proceed to identify test sites in areas most critical to the interests of the NYSDOT. It may be possible to use results from other research projects (SHRP, and NJDOT, for example) to provide needed data for soils that cannot be tested. The data from the NYSDOT FWD monitoring program will be utilized as much as possible. Cornell will request assistance from New York State Department of Transportation to obtain soil samples, cores, and other pertinent field information. Cornell will also seek assistance with work zone traffic control during the fieldwork.

Task 4 - Report A draft report describing the results of the research will be provided to NYSDOT for review and comment. After receiving comments from the TWG, changes will be made and a final project report will be provided as required by the RFP.

Budget

$215,500

Student Involvement

This project will involve several graduate and Doctoral students in data collection, presentations, literature documentations and report preparation.
Relationship with Other Research Activities

None

Technology Transfer Activities

See Benefits below.

Benefits of the Project

The first product will be a database using ACCESS format, and a NYS GIS Map showing the climatic regions and major subgrade soil types. Interim progress report in the format of a brief technical memorandum will be prepared at the end of Task 3. Backcalculated moduli for NYS subbase and subgrade soils for each site over the course of a year will be reported. Interim progress report will be prepared on Task 3.3 in the format of a brief technical memorandum. A spreadsheet for the seasonal models and a database will be prepared using ACCESS format for the seasonal adjustment factors (Cs) for NYS subbase and subgrade soils.

Key Words

Pavement Design, Materials, Materials Tests, GIS