MPC
Research Projects (2000-01)

Identifying Number

MPC-199

Project Title

Low Volume Roads and Bridges

University

University of Wyoming

Project Investigator

Khaled Ksaibati
University of Wyoming
(307)766-6230 or Fax (307)766-2221
khaled@uwyo.edu

External Project Contact

George Huntington
Wyoming Dept. of Transportation
(307)777-4476

Project Objective

Conduct applied research to evaluate long-term pavement performance.

Project Abstract

In 1987, Congress funded the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP). As part of SHRP, several pavement test sections were selected for monitoring around the country. Construction as well as performance data have been collected on all test sections and saved in the Long Term Pavement Performance Information Management System LTPP IMS). The collected data is very beneficial for researchers as well as practitioners in investigating the long-term performance of pavements. Recently, the Federal Highway Administration released a computer program called Data Pave to help in making LTPP data available for any interested party. It is the main objective of this study to evaluate the capabilities of Data Pave and evaluate some of the pavement performance data for Region 8.

Task Descriptions

The following tasks will be performed in the second year of the project:

• Task 1 – Evaluate the completeness of roughness data in the Rocky Mountain region. (August 2000)
• Task 2 – Perform comprehensive studies on the pavement smoothness data. These studies will determine the effect of initial smoothness on the long term performance of pavements. (January 2001)
• Task 3 – Evaluate the completeness of other long-term pavement performance data in Data Pave. Directions will be provided on the usefulness of the available data and possible data analysis in future studies. (April 2001)
• Task 4 – Deliver a final MPC report summarizing the capabilities of Data Pave and all results from the survey. (June 2001)
• Task 5 – Submit a TRB technical paper. (August 2001)

Milestones, Dates

• Starting Date: July 1, 2000
• Project Milestones:
  • Finishing the smoothness analysis December 31, 2000
  • Deliver a Final MPC report June 30, 2001
  • Submit a TRB paper August 1, 2001
• Ending Date: June 30, 2001

Yearly and Total Budget

Year 2: Federal: $55,111 Matching: $66,975
Total: Federal: $116,758 Matching: $142,737

Student Involvement

One graduate student, One undergraduate student

Relationship to Other Research Projects

The national survey performed will insure that this project will not duplicate any other research efforts in Region 8.

Technology Transfer Activities

Transportation Departments in region 8.

Potential Benefits of the Project

This research will be very useful in determining the effectiveness of various materials and pavement construction techniques in region 8. It will help pavement practitioners in make cost effective decisions.

TRB Keywords

Pavement performance, long term, LTPP