Browsing by Subject "Life cycle costing"

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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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    Permeable Pavements in Cold Climates: State of the Art and Cold Climate Case Studies
    (Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2015-06) Weiss, Peter T.; Kayhanian, Masoud; Khazanovich, Lev; Gulliver, John S.
    This document is an extensive review of full-depth permeable pavements including porous asphalt, pervious concrete, and permeable interlocking concrete pavers (PICP). Also included is a brief section on articulated concrete blocks/mats. The main topics, which have been divided into chapters, include structural and mix design, hydrologic design, hydraulic performance (i.e. infiltration capacity), maintenance needs/frequency/actions, the impact of permeable pavement on water quality, results of a highway shoulder feasibility study, knowledge gaps, and several cold climate case studies from the United States and Canada. While progress has recently been made with the relatively new permeable pavement technology, researchers have also identified many unresolved issues that are not well understood. These include a methodology to measure subgrade infiltration rates, filling data gaps related to structural integrity, construction, and related issues associated with permeable pavements, determining what maintenance activities are most effective on various pavement types and how frequently specific maintenance actions should be performed, a better understanding of the processes involved in the observed reduction of contaminant concentrations in stormwater flowing through permeable pavements, and a better understanding of the performance of permeable pavements over a time frame that better corresponds with a life-span of 20 years.