Browsing by Author "Brown, Marcus"

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    Best Practices for the Design and Construction of Low Volume Roads - REVISED
    (2003-11-01) Skok, Eugene L; Timm, David H; Brown, Marcus; Clyne, Timothy R; Johnson, Eddie N
    This report presents information about the use of the mechanistic-empirical procedure (MnPAVE) in designing hot-mix asphalt pavements in Minnesota. Researchers developed the MnPAVE software program using information from the Minnesota Road Research Project (Mn/ROAD) test facility and from 40-year-old test sections around Minnesota. MnPAVE procedures use Equivalent Standard Axle Loads (ESALs) to evaluate traffic loading, and the report includes methods to estimate these values for design purposes over a 20-year design life, as well as a procedure to measure vehicle type distributions. In addition, the report presents an evaluation of subgrade soils for each thickness design procedure, summarizes Minnesota Department of Transportation specifications that relate to embankment soil construction and to construction of the pavement section materials, and recommends specific density or quality compaction using a control strip. It also includes best practices on setting up projects most effectively to follow specifications.
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    Special Practices for Design and Construction of Subgrades in Poor, Wet, and/or Saturated Soil Conditions
    (2003-05-01) Skok, Eugene L; Johnson, Eddie N; Brown, Marcus
    Highway embankment construction progresses vertically in stages, beginning with the subgrade. For a variety of reasons, it is desirable to use naturally occurring soils for subgrade material. In some cases this is not possible due to poor soil conditions; in order to avoid realignment it is necessary to improve the subgrade material. A literature review provides background for special construction methods to be used for subgrade soil enhancement. Additonal information about modification, stabilization, reinforcement, and substitution methods and material was gathered from a questionnaire directed to Minnesota state, county, and city highway engineers. Based on questionnaire responses, a series of highway agency interviews were conducted to provide more detailed information about the enhancement methods. Enhancement selection recommendations and special practice methods for construction were developed from the agency interviews, questionnaire responses, and literature review.