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Browsing by Author "Marasteanu, Mihai"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 26
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    Air Voids Testing for MnROAD Cells
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation Research Services Section, 2010-07) Turos, Mugurel; Moon, Ki Hoon; Marasteanu, Mihai
    This report summarizes the experimental work performed on cores extracted from various cells at MnROAD to determine the air void content of the different asphalt mixtures used in these cells. Analysis of the data was not part of this study.
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    Asphalt Mixture and Binder Fracture Testing for 2008 MnROAD Construction
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2009-12) Marasteanu, Mihai; Moon, Ki Hoon; Turos, Mugurel
    This report summarizes the results of an experimental effort to characterize the low-temperature behavior of asphalt mixtures and binders from the recently reconstructed cells at the MnROAD facility. In depth analysis of the data was not part of this study; this will be accomplished in several concurrent research projects.
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    Cost Estimate of B vs. C Grade Asphalt Binders
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2023-06) Yan, Tianhao; Marasteanu, Mihai; Turos, Mugurel; Barman, Manik; Manickavasagan, Vishruthi; Chakraborty, Manik
    Polymer-modified binders (PMB) have been shown over the decades to improve the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures compared to unmodified binders. Considering the higher initial cost of PMB, selecting the best alternative is very important, especially for local agencies given their limited budgets. A challenge in the materials selection process for low-volume roads is the limited information available, which could allow engineers to determine whether using PMB is cost-effective. In this research, we investigate the use of PG 58H-34 PMB binders (grade C) and PG58S-28 unmodified binders (grade B) for low volume roads in Minnesota. Historical pavement performance data are analyzed to compare the field performance of modified and unmodified mixtures. Laboratory experiments are performed to compare the low-temperature cracking properties of polymer-modified and unmodified binders and mixtures commonly used in Minnesota. Based on the experimental results, a lifecycle cost analysis (LCCA) is performed comparing the use of polymer-modified and unmodified binders for lowvolume roads in Minnesota. The results show that using PMBs for new construction is expected to extend the pavement service life by 6 years, and that using PMB is more cost-effective than using unmodified binders for low-traffic roads.
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    Design and Construction Guidelines for Thermally Insulated Concrete Pavements
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2013-01) Khazanovich, Lev; Balbo, Jose T.; Johanneck, Luke; Lederle, Rita; Marasteanu, Mihai; Saxena, Priyam; Tompkins, Derek; Vancura, Mary; Watson, Mark; Harvey, John; Santero, Nicholas J.; Signore, James
    The report describes the construction and design of composite pavements as a viable design strategy to use an asphalt concrete (AC) wearing course as the insulating material and a Portland cement concrete (PCC) structural layer as the load-carrying material. These pavements are intended for areas with heavy trucks and problem soils to increase the service life and minimize maintenance. The project focused specifically on thermally insulated concrete pavements (TICPs) (that is, composite thin AC overlays of new or structurally sound existing PCC pavements) and developed design and construction guidelines for TICPs. Specific research objectives include determining behavior of the layers of the TICP system, understanding life-cycle costs and the feasibility of TICPs, and incorporating the results into design and construction guidelines. Both construction and design guidelines are considered in light of the construction and performance of TICP test sections at the Minnesota Road Research project (MnROAD).
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    Determination of Optimum Time for the Application of Surface Treatments to Asphalt Concrete Pavements - Phase II
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2008-06) Marasteanu, Mihai; Velasquez, Raul; Herb, William; Tweet, John; Turos, Mugur; Watson, Mark; Stefan, Heinz G.
    Significant resources can be saved if reactive type of maintenance activities are replaced by proactive activities that could significantly extend the pavements service lives. Due to the complexity and the multitude of factors affecting the pavement deterioration process, the current guidelines for applying various maintenance treatments are based on empirical observations of the pavement surface condition with time. This report presents the results of a comprehensive research effort to identify the optimum timing of surface treatment applications by providing a better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that control the deterioration process of asphalt pavements. Both traditional and nontraditional pavement material characterization methods were carried out. The nontraditional methods consisted of X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) for quantifying aging, while for microcracks detection, electron microprobe imaging test (SEM) and fluorescent dyes for inspection of cracking were investigated. A new promising area, the spectral analysis of asphalt pavements to determine aging, was also presented. Traditional methods, such as Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR), Direct Tension (DTT), Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for asphalt binders and BBR and Semi-Circular Bending (SCB) for mixtures were used to determine the properties of the field samples studied in this effort. In addition, a substantial analysis of measured pavement temperature data from MnROAD and simulations of pavement temperature using a one-dimensional finite difference heat transfer model were performed.
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    Development of Superpave 5 Asphalt Mix Designs for Minnesota Pavements
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2022-06) Yan, Tianhao; Marasteanu, Mihai; Le, Jia-Liang; Turos, Mugurel; Cash, Kristen
    High field density is desired for improving the durability of asphalt pavements. This research aims to develop Superpave 5 mixtures (more compactable than traditional Superpave mixtures) by using locally available materials to improve the field density in Minnesota. First, previous projects in Minnesota were investigated. The mean and standard deviation of field density in Minnesota were about 93.5% Gmm and 1.5% Gmm, respectively. Significant correlations were identified between field density and mix design indices, i.e., Ndesign, NMAS, and fine aggregate angularity (FAA). Four traditional Superpave mixtures were then selected and modified to Superpave 5 mixtures by adjusting their aggregate gradations while maintaining the asphalt binder content. Laboratory performance tests were performed to check the mechanical properties of the modified mixtures. The results showed it was feasible to design Superpave 5 mixtures (more compactable mixtures) by adjusting aggregate gradations, and the improved compactability of the mixtures did not adversely affect the performance of the mixtures for rutting, stiffness, and cracking resistance. Therefore, Superpave 5 mixtures can increase field density as well as other performances of asphalt pavements if implemented.
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    Does poor road condition increase crashes?
    (2016-08-01) Yokoo, Toshihiro; Levinson, David M; Marasteanu, Mihai
    In a region well known for its severe weather, maintaining pavements to meet high standards remains a challenge. Changes in weather states (such as the freeze-thaw cycle) leads to distresses in the pavement materials. There exist claims that poor pavement quality reduces the ability of roads to drain and reduces the ability of vehicles to resist skidding, and is thus associated with more crashes. In order to improve road safety, several pavement maintenance treatments are carried out, such as “rout and seal cracks” and “hot-mix patching” for improving pavement roughness and distress (Tighe et al., 2000). Others have found that crash rate depends on the pavement type and pavement condition. Crash rate of tined pavement sites is larger than the rate of ground pavement sites. When the pavement condition is wet or icy, crashes are more likely than under dry conditions (Drakopoulos et al., 1998). , When the pavement condition is poor, severe crashes are more likely, but when the pavement condition is very poor, severe crashes are less likely to occur than poor pavement conditions (Li et al., 2013). In accident rate estimation models, the results indicate that most important independent variable is “AADT”, and “geometric design” (lane width and access control) and “pavement condition” (friction, serviceability index, and pavement type) are also important variables (Karlaftis and Golias, 2002). Our research proposes to statistically test such claims of a relationship between incident number and road quality, while controlling for traffic data (AADT and percent truck), segment length, crash conditions (date, road characteristics, and road surface), and pavement type. To investigate the relationship, we combine data from various sources. We then conduct a statistical analysis for ascertaining the effects of good road quality on incident number and severity. This paper de- scribes the data, methods, hypotheses, and results in turn.
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    Evaluation of Bio-Fog Sealants for Pavement Preservation
    (Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2016-06) Ghosh, Debaroti; Turos, Mugur; Marasteanu, Mihai
    Pavement preservation is playing an increasingly significant role in maintaining our aging pavement infrastructure. One important component is the application of sealants to the pavement surface. In a joint study between MnDOT and the University of Minnesota, the field performance and mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures from pavement sections treated with a number of new products, called bio sealants, is investigated. The objective of the study is to obtain relevant properties of treated asphalt materials to understand the mechanism by which sealants improve pavement performance. Laboratory testing was performed on treated asphalt binder and mixtures. For binders, a dynamic shear rheometer and a bending beam rheometer were used to obtain rheological properties of treated and untreated asphalt binders. Field cores from both untreated and treated sections were collected and thin beam specimens were prepared from the cores to compare the creep and strength properties of field-treated and laboratory-treated asphalt mixture. It is observed that the oil-based sealants have a significant softening effect on the control binder compared to the water-based sealants. For asphalt mixtures, different trends are observed for the field samples compared to the laboratory prepared samples. Similar to binder results, significant differences are observed between the asphalt mixtures treated with oil-based and water-based sealants, respectively. From the analysis performed on the bending creep and strength results at low temperature, it is concluded that the application of sealants in the field have no significant effect on these properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that the sealant products could not be detected in mixture samples collected from the surface of the treated section.
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    Experimental and Computational Investigations of High-Density Asphalt Mixtures
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2019-10) Marasteanu, Mihai; Le, Jia-Liang; Hill, Kimberly; Yan, Tianhao; Man, Teng; Turos, Mugurel; Barman, Manik; Arepalli, Uma Maheswar; Munch, Jared
    Compaction of asphalt mixtures represents a critical step in the construction process that significantly affects the performance and durability of asphalt pavements. In this research effort, the compaction process of asphalt mixtures was investigated using a combined experimental and computational approach. The primary goal was to understand the main factors responsible for achieving good density and was triggered by the success of a recently proposed Superpave 5 mix design method. First, a two-scale discrete element method (DEM) model was developed to simulate the compaction process of asphalt mixtures. The computational model was anchored by a fluid dynamics-discrete element model, which is capable of capturing the motion of aggregates in the viscous binder. The model was then calibrated and validated by a series of experiments, which included rheological tests of the binder and a compaction test of the mixture. It was concluded that the compaction process was significantly influenced by the rheological properties of the fine aggregate matrix and by the sphericity of the coarse aggregates. Finally, the mechanical properties of two high-density mixtures were determined and compared with mechanical properties of mixtures used for MnROAD 2017 National road Research Alliance (NRRA) test sections. It was found that the properties of high-density mixtures as a group were not significantly different compared to the properties of conventional mixtures.
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    Extraction of pavement and soil thermal diffusivity from measured temperature times series
    (St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, 2006-09) Herb, William R.; Marasteanu, Mihai; Stefan, Heinz G.
    This report describes several methods to extract pavement thermal diffusivity from pavement temperature measurements at two or more depths. Two methods use analytic solutions for heat transfer in an infinite solid to relate the attenuation of diurnal temperature change with depth to thermal diffusivity. The first approach considers the surface temperature forcing to be a simple sinusoidal function with a period of one day. The second method considers the surface temperature forcing to be a general periodic signal that can be decomposed with a Fourier series. The accuracy of these two methods are limited by non-homogeneous nature of pavement/subgrade/soil systems. The third method uses a one-dimensional finite difference heat transfer model to extract thermal diffusivity from measured pavement temperature. This method requires more computational effort, but can take into account the variation in thermal diffusivity between the pavement and underlying layers.
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    Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR) for Suburban/Urban and Local Roads Application
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2016-12) Hartman, Marcella; Turos, Mugur; Ghosh, Debaroti; Marasteanu, Mihai
    Full-depth reclamation (FDR) as a rehabilitation method improves the service life of pavement structures by reusing asphalt materials, thereby reducing costs and allowing for conservation of nonrenewable resources. However, the lack of mechanicsbased material testing procedures and performance-based specifications limit the use of FDR processes. First, the FDR design and construction process are presented, then, a literature review focusing on FDR research is completed, and a survey is conducted to obtain relevant information regarding current FDR practices in Minnesota. Next, Indirect Tensile Test (IDT) and Dynamic Modulus Test in IDT mode testing is performed on four FDR materials: Field mixed, Lab compacted; Lab mixed, Lab compacted; FDR with cement additive; and FDR with graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) additive. Two curing times are used to determine how physical properties change over time. Test results are used to perform simulations in MnPAVE software and a Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA). Laboratory observations indicate that cement additive reduces predicted life and increases critical cracking temperature with a slight increase in cost; GNP additive reduces predicted life but also reduces critical cracking temperature with a significant cost increase; Lab mixed samples performed better than Field mixed, suggesting that field methods could be improved; and curing has a positive effect on the FDR materials with cement and GNP additives--for both materials, the dynamic modulus increase, and the GNP samples also had a slight increase in tensile strength. MnPAVE simulations and LCCA results indicate that over a 35-year period, FDR may be a more cost-effective method than traditional mill and overlay.
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    Implementation of the MEPDG for New and Rehabilitated Pavement Structures for Design of Concrete and Asphalt Pavements in Minnesota
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2009-01) Velasquez, Raul; Hoegh, Kyle; Yut, Iliya; Funk, Nova; Cochran, George; Marasteanu, Mihai; Khazanovich, Lev
    The recently introduced Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) and related software provide capabilities for the analysis and performance prediction of different types of flexible and rigid pavements. An important aspect of this process is the evaluation of the performance prediction models and sensitivity of the predicted distresses to various input parameters for local conditions and, if necessary, re-calibration of the performance prediction models. To achieve these objectives, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the Local Road Research Board (LRRB) initiated a study “Implementation of the MEPDG for New and Rehabilitated Pavement Structures for Design of Concrete and Asphalt Pavements in Minnesota.” This report presents the results of the evaluation of default inputs, identification of deficiencies in the software, sensitivity analysis, and comparison of results to the expected limits for typical Minnesota site conditions, a wide range of pavement design features (e.g. layer thickness, material properties, etc), and the effects of different parameters on predicted pavement distresses. Since the sensitivity analysis was conducted over a span of several years and the MEPDG software underwent significant modifications, especially for flexible pavements, various versions of the MEPDG software were run. Performance prediction models of the latest version of the MEPDG 1.003 were evaluated and modified or recalibrated to reduce bias and error in performance prediction for Minnesota conditions.
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    Innovative Materials and Advanced Technologies for a Sustainable Pavement Infrastructure
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2021-06) Le, Jia-Liang; Marasteanu, Mihai; Zanko, Lawrence M.; Matias de Oliveira, Jhenyffer; Calhoon, Thomas; Turos, Mugurel; Stricherz, Tyler; Hopstock, David M.; Hegg, Vern
    It is widely acknowledged that early detection of material damage and timely rehabilitation can lead to a significant reduction in the life-cycle cost of asphalt pavements. This research investigates the capabilities of damage detection and healing of graphite nanoplatelet (GNP)-taconite modified asphalt materials. The first part of the research is concerned with the application of GNP-taconite modified asphalt materials for damage detection using electrical conductivity. It is shown that, as compared to conventional asphalt materials, the GNP-taconite modified asphalt materials exhibit an improved electrical conductivity due to the electron hopping mechanism. Based on the mathematical analogy between the elastostatic field and the electrostatic field, a theoretical model is derived to relate the change of electrical conductivity to the damage extent of the material. Although, in principle, the material damage can be accessed using the electrical conductivity, the practical application of this method is complicated by the fact that the conductivity is influenced by the moisture content. The second part of the research investigates the damage healing capability of GNP-taconite modified asphalt materials heated by microwave. GNP-taconite modified asphalt materials can effectively absorb the heat generated by the microwave, and the rising temperature can effectively heal the microcracks in the binder. This damage-healing mechanism is verified by a set of semi-circular beam tests. Finally, microwave heating technology is applied to the tack coat system. It is shown that, with microwave heating, the GNP-taconite modified asphalt material can effectively improve the bond strength of the interface of the tack coat system.
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    Investigation of Asphalt Mixtures Compaction Using a Novel Approach Based on Tribology
    (Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2020-12) Yan, Tianhao; Turos, Mugurel; Kumar, Ravi; Marasteanu, Mihai
    Compaction is one of the most important factors that affects the durability of asphalt pavements. Many studies have been focused on developing methods to improve compaction. Previously, the authors found that the addition of small percentages of Graphite Nanoplatelets (GNPs) significantly increase the compactability of asphalt mixture. Traditional viscosity test results show that the increase in compactability is not a result of viscosity reduction, which implies that other mechanisms are responsible for the increase in compactability of GNP modified mixtures. This study investigates the lubricating behavior of the binder. A new test method, referred to as a tribological test, is conducted to evaluate the lubricating behavior of binders modified with different percentages of GNP (0%, 3%, and 6%). To better simulate the roughness of the aggregate surface, the tribological fixture is modified using textured contact surfaces instead of smooth ones. The results of rough surface tribological tests show that the addition of GNPs increases the lubrication behavior of the thin film binder between rough surfaces. It is hypothesized that the increase in compactability can be attributed to the increase in the lubricating behavior of the binder due to the addition of GNP.
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    Investigation of Cracking Resistance of Asphalt Mixtures and Binders
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2019-01) Marasteanu, Mihai; Turos, Mugurel; Ghosh, Debaroti; Matias de Oliveira, Jhenyffer Lorrany; Yan, Tianhao
    In this study, the viability of using three test methods for asphalt mixtures and one test method for asphalt binders are investigated. These test methods are: Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) for creep and strength of asphalt mixtures; low temperature Semi Circular Bend (SCB) test for fracture energy of asphalt mixtures; Dynamic Modulus (E*) test of asphalt mixtures using the Indirect Tensile Test (IDT) configuration; and BBR strength test of asphalt binders. The materials used in the experimental work were used in MnROAD cells constructed in the summer of 2016 as part of the MnROAD Cracking Group (CG) experiment, a 3-year pooled-fund project. The results show that the testing methods investigated provide repeatable results that follow trends similar to the one observed using traditional methods. The results also show that the properties are highly temperature dependent and the ranking observed at one temperature can change at a different temperature. In addition, it is observed that materials with similar rheological properties, such as complex modulus absolute value |E*|, creep stiffness S, and m-value, do not necessarily have the same fracture resistance. These results confirm one more time the need for a fracture/strength test for correctly evaluating cracking resistance of asphalt materials.
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    Investigation of Low Temperature Cracking in Asphalt Pavements National Pooled Fund Study 776
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2007-10) Marasteanu, Mihai; Zofka, Adam; Turos, Mugur; Li, Xinjun; Velasquez, Raul; Li, Xue; Buttlar, William; Paulino, Glaucio; Braham, Andrew; Dave, Eshan; Ojo, Joshua; Bahia, Hussain; Williams, Christopher; Bausano, Jason; Gallistel, Allen; McGraw, Jim
    Good fracture properties are an essential requirement for asphalt pavements built in the northern part of the US and in Canada for which the predominant failure mode is cracking due to high thermal stresses that develop at low temperatures. Currently, there is no agreement with respect to what experimental methods and analyses approaches to use to investigate the fracture resistance of asphalt materials and the fracture performance of asphalt pavements. This report presents a comprehensive research effort in which both traditional and new experimental protocols and analyses were applied to a statistically designed set of laboratory prepared specimens and to field samples from pavements with well documented performance to determine the best combination of experimental work and analyses to improve the low temperature fracture resistance of asphalt pavements. The two sets of materials were evaluated using current testing protocols, such as creep and strength for asphalt binders and mixtures as well as newly developed testing protocols, such as the disk compact tension test, single edge notched beam test, and semi circular bend test. Dilatometric measurements were performed on both asphalt binders and mixtures to determine the coefficient of thermal contraction. Discrete fracture and damage tools were utilized to model crack initiation and propagation in pavement systems using the finite element method and TCMODEL was used with the experimental data from the field samples to predict performance and compare it to the field performance data.
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    Investigation of Low Temperature Cracking in Asphalt Pavements National Pooled Fund Study – Phase II
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2012-08) Marasteanu, Mihai; Buttlar, William; Bahia, Hussain; Williams, Christopher; Moon, Ki Hoon; Teshale, Eyoab Zegey; Falchetto, Augusto Cannone; Turos, Mugurel; Dave, Eshan; Paulino, Glaucio; Ahmed, Sarfraz; Leon, Sofie; Braham, Andrew; Behnia, Behzad; Tabatabaee, Hassan; Velasquez, Raul; Arshadi, Amir; Puchalski, Sebastian; Mangiafico, Salvatore; Buss, Ashley; Bausano, Jason; Kvasnak, Andrea
    The work detailed in this report represents a continuation of the research performed in phase one of this national pooled fund study. A number of significant contributions were made in phase two of this comprehensive research effort. Two fracture testing methods are proposed and specifications are developed for selecting mixtures based on fracture energy criteria. A draft SCB specification, that received approval by the ETG and has been taken to AASHTO committee of materials, is included in the report. In addition, alternative methods are proposed to obtain mixture creep compliance needed to calculate thermal stresses. Dilatometric measurements performed on asphalt mixtures are used to more accurately predict thermal stresses, and physical hardening effects are evaluated and an improved model is proposed to take these effects into account. In addition, two methods for obtaining asphalt binder fracture properties are summarized and discussed. A new thermal cracking model, called "ILLI-TC," is developed and validated. This model represents a significant step forward in accurately quantifying the cracking mechanism in pavements, compared to the existing TCMODEL. A comprehensive evaluation of the cyclic behavior of asphalt mixtures is presented, that may hold the key to developing cracking resistant mixtures under multiple cycles of temperature.
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    Investigation of Performance Requirements of Full-Depth Reclamation Stabilization
    (Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2016-03) Le, Jia-Liang; Marasteanu, Mihai; Milavitz, Rose
    This research investigates the relationship between the mechanical properties of SFDR and the final performance of the rehabilitated pavements. The study involves two computational tools (MEPDG and MnPAVE) for the simulation of the long-term rutting behavior of pavements containing SFDR layers. Based on the simulations of three existing MnROAD cells, it is shown that for MEPDG the SFDR layer is best modeled as a bounded asphalt layer. To further investigate the applicability of MEPDG, a series of laboratory experiments are performed on cores taken from several sites constructed with different stabilizers including engineered emulsion, foamed asphalt with cement and CSS-1 with cement. The experiments include IDT creep and tension, semi-circular bending, dynamic modulus and disc compact tension tests. The measured mechanical properties are inputted into MEPDG to predict the rutting performance of these sites and it is shown that the simulated rut depth agrees well with the site measurement. However, it is found that MEPDG may suffer a convergence issue for some ranges of the values of the mechanical properties of SFDR. Due to this limitation, MnPAVE was used as an alternative. It was shown that the results simulated by MnPAVE are consistent with those obtained by MEDPG. A parametric study was performed on the three sites constructed with SFDR to determine the relationship between the long-term reliability of the rut performance and the mechanical properties of the SFDR.
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    A Mechanistic Design Approach for Graphite Nanoplatelet (GNP) Reinforced Asphalt Mixtures for Low-Temperature Applications
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2018-01) Le, Jia-Liang; Marasteanu, Mihai; Hendrickson, Rebecca
    This report explores the application of a discrete computational model for predicting the fracture behavior of asphalt mixtures at low temperatures based on the results of simple laboratory experiments. In this discrete element model, coarse aggregates are explicitly represented by spheres, and these spheres are connected by bonds representing the fine aggregate mixture, a.k.a. FAM, (i.e. asphalt binder with the fine-size aggregates). A literature review examines various methods of computational modeling of asphalt materials, as well as the application of nanomaterials to asphalt materials. Bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests are performed to obtain the mechanical properties of the fine aggregate mixture (FAM) at low temperatures. The computational model is then used to simulate the semi-circular bend (SCB) tests of the mixtures. This study considers both the conventional asphalt materials and graphite nanoplatelet (GNP) reinforced asphalt materials. The comparison between the simulated and experimental results on SCB tests shows that by employing a softening constitutive model of the FAM the discrete element model is capable of predicting the entire load-deflection curve of the SCB specimens. Based on the dimensional analysis, a parametric study is performed to understand the influence of properties of FAM on the predicted behavior of SCB specimens.
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    Optimizing Asphalt Mixtures for Low-volume Roads in Minnesota
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2023-08) Barman, Manik; Dhasmana, Heena; Manickavasagan, Vishruthi; Marasteanu, Mihai
    Minnesota has a large number of low-volume asphalt roads. These roads typically fail because of environmental factors, such as frigid temperatures, freeze-thaw cycles, and seasonal and daily temperature variations. The goal of this study was to suggest modifications to asphalt mixture designs currently used for low-volume roads in Minnesota to improve the resistance of the mixes against the environmentally driven distresses. The study was conducted by accomplishing multiple tasks, such as a literature review, online survey, fieldwork studying the cause of the asphalt pavement distresses, laboratory work comparing asphalt mixtures designed with Superpave-4, Superpave-5, and regressed air voids methods, and studying the field compaction of Superpave-5 mixes. The mechanical performance of the asphalt mixes was studied by conducting Disc-Shaped Compact Tension (DCT), Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS), and Dynamic Modulus (DM) tests. The study included both laboratory- and plant-produced mixes. The study found that asphalt layers for the low-volume roads did not get enough densification, which augments environmentally driven distresses, such as thermal cracks, and longitudinal joint cracks. The Superpave-5 method holds considerable promise for the design of asphalt mixtures for low-volume roads in Minnesota, which may likely increase the asphalt layer densification and mitigate some of the common distresses.