South Dakota Department of Transportation
Project Synopsis
SD2008-06

Title: PCCP Joint Design and Sealing Review
Project Researcher: Nadim Wehbe,
Project Manager:
Research Period: 8/1/2008 - 7/31/2011
Status:
Cost: $140,000.00

Problem Statement:

Findings:

Research Objectives:
1  To review available literature and field performance of various concrete pavement designs, especially with regard to joint and sealant systems, to determine any possible beneficial changes to current practice.
2  To develop optimized concrete mix designs incorporating larger top size aggregate and pea gravel to provide good workability at lower cement contents and resist thermal effects.
3  To construct and evaluate appropriate JPC test sections to resolve any performance issues with regard to potential changes in design or construction

Research Tasks:
1  Review current literature with respect to performance and economical benefits of modifications to current standard JPC design and construction practices.
2  Meet with the technical panel to review project scope and work plan.
3  Develop optimized concrete mix designs using both limestone and quartzite incorporating a larger top size aggregate gradation (similar to the mix designs used for CRCP) and pea gravel or coarser sand fraction in the mix with a reduced cement content. The mixes should be screened for workability and durability (both individual components as well as the proposed concrete mix), comprised of typical, locally available materials and be available for incorporation into plan notes by November, 2008.
4  Conduct performance evaluations and load transfer testing using the SDDOT FWD on a project incorporating a reduced dowel content (US 212 west of Belle Fourche, if feasible) to determine load transfer efficiency compared to a control project to the east on US 212 with normal dowel configurations. This project should also include joint sealant test sections consisting of five clusters of four panels for each type, minimum, incorporating hot pour sealant, using SDDOT's current design, and a green cut with no sealant at the appropriate width for comparison. The test sections should also comprise a separate pavement section, at least one mile in length, with a double rate of curing compound application.
5  Conduct performance evaluations, including profilograph and profilometer measurements as well as rod and level determinations on a project incorporating a series of experimental curing compound applications (I29 north of Brookings, if feasible) to determine degree of curling and warping in the pavement sections, with each at least one mile in length, with a double rate of curing compound application for one section, conventional curing compound application rate for one section and ?-methyl-styrene at recommended application rate for the third.
6  Develop an instrumentation plan for monitoring slab movement and moisture ingress for inclusion in a JPC project to be built in 2009.
7  Develop plan notes for a project on I29 south of Brookings scheduled for construction during the 2009 construction season including: · Optimized minimum cement large aggregate/pea gravel concrete mix design requirements · Hot pour and green cut (no sealant) test section layout compared with standard silicone · Recommendations for curing compound application rates and types based on prior results
8  Develop plan notes for a project on I90 at Sturgis scheduled for construction during the 2009 construction season including: · Optimized minimum cement large aggregate/pea gravel concrete mix design requirements · Hot pour and green cut (no sealant) test section layout compared with standard silicone · Recommendations for curing compound application rates and types based on prior results
9  Conduct performance evaluations and load transfer testing using the SDDOT FWD on a project incorporating a reduced dowel content (SD 50 west of Vermillion, if feasible) planned for 2009 construction to determine load transfer efficiency compared to a control project with normal dowel configurations. This project should also include joint sealant test sections consisting of five clusters of four panels for each type, minimum, incorporating hot pour sealant, using SDDOT's current design, and a green cut with no sealant at the appropriate width for comparison. The test sections should also comprise a separate pavement section, at least one mile in length, with a double rate of curing compound application.
10  Provide recommendations for concrete mix design requirements using larger aggregate and pea gravel or coarse sand consistent with the SDDOT Wide Band/Narrow Band concrete mix requirements under development. These recommendations should also include any necessary durability requirements for pea gravels and coarse sands minimizing the likelihood of impacts due to ASR, ACR , D-cracking or other deleterious processes.
11  Provide recommendations for alterations in current JPC design and material requirements based on the results of the research with the proviso that any modifications to current practice result in equivalent or improved pavement performance.
12  Prepare a final report and executive summary of the research methodology, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
13  Make an executive presentation to the SDDOT Research Review Board at the conclusion of the project.

Documents Available: