South Dakota Department of Transportation
Project Synopsis
SD2008-04

Title: Select Testing to Screen Materials for Specification Compliance
Project Researcher: William Cross, SDSM&T
Project Manager:
Research Period: 1/1/1900 - 1/1/1900
Status:
Cost: $90,000.00

Problem Statement:

Findings:

Research Objectives:
1  Define laboratory and field procedures suitable for analyzing, discriminating whether given materials (i.e. vinsol resin AEA's, polysulfide epoxies) meet specification requirements and allowing acceptance screening.
2  Develop approved product lists for certain materials based on the results of these protocols.

Research Tasks:
1  Review current literature with respect to suitable chemical analysis procedures for materials selected for specification verification.
2  Meet with the technical panel to review project scope and work plan.
3  Acquire samples of materials from both manufacturers and construction projects for both test development and compliance screening.
4  Develop and refine appropriate testing protocols for each material class identified capable of clearly discriminating whether, based on composition and performance testing, a material meets the specification requirements. This approach should be based on component manufacturer's samples, where obtainable, or, if necessary, marked departure of certain products from other, compliant materials.
5  Screen all products currently on the Approved Products List for a given class of materials (i.e. AEA's).
6  Formulate recommendations for each materials class with regard to whether a given product should be retained on the Approved Products List or removed due to noncompliance.
7  Provide a clear rationale for each testing protocol developed, its ability to discriminate between suitable and unsuitable materials and the scientific basis for rejecting noncompliant materials.
8  Provide a plan for screening any new materials in the categories being examined with the requirement that samples submitted for acceptance will be considered based on a manufacturer's obtaining independent laboratory test results using the appropriate protocol.
9  Prepare a final report and executive summary of the research methodology, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
10  Make an executive presentation to the SDDOT Research Review Board at the conclusion of the project.

Documents Available: