South Dakota Department of Transportation
Project Synopsis
SD1993-01

Title: Use of Polish-Resistant Aggregate in PCC
Project Researcher: Dan Johnston, SDDOT
Project Manager:
Research Period: 1/1/1900 - 1/1/1900
Status:
Cost: $0.00

Problem Statement:The premier course aggregate for PCC pavements in western South Dakota is Minnekahta limestone. Although the limestone is a superior aggregate in almost every respect, it suffers one serious drawback--a tendency to polish prematurely. Tining has improved friction and drainage on pavements with limestone aggregate, but current evidence suggests that polishing and reduced skid resistance remains a problem on high ADT routes such as Interstate 90 and certain urban sections. Methods are needed for design and/or construction of new PCC pavements with limestone aggregate.

Findings:

Research Objectives:
1  Determine the extent of the polishing problem throughout the state.
2  Identify concrete pavement construction methods and/or mix designs which will enhance long term pavement skid resistance while maintaining the positive structural aspects of the existing Minnekahta limestone PCC pavements.
3  Evaluate field performance of practical methods and/or mix designs selected by the technical panel.

Research Tasks:
1  Conduct a literature review concerning skid number improvements of limestone PCC pavements including construction methods, mix designs, and other state DOT's experience.
2  Review current SDDOT data and identify age and extent of PCC pavement exhibiting polishing.
3  Identify factors responsible for loss of skid resistance.
4  Identify alternate construction methods and/or mix designs which will maintain a minimum skid number of 32 for a minimum of 20 years with an ADT of 10,000 to 12,000 while displaying positive structural performance similar to present limestone PCC pavements.
5  Determine incremental cost changes associated with each method and/or mix design.
6  Determine a method of evaluating each of the methods and/or mix designs in regard to predicted skid resistance loss, wear, fatigue, and distress (overall performance).
7  Provide an interim report summarizing research results to this point.
8  With technical panel approval, design and install test sections for evaluation.
9  Evaluate field performance of test sections.
10  Submit final report summarizing relevant literature, test results, research methodology, and conclusions.

Documents Available: