Work Plan for:
“ Investigation of Noise, Durability, Permeability and Friction Performance
Trends for Asphaltic Pavement Surface Types”
PPRC Strategic Plan Item 4.16
Prepared by
Partnered Pavement Research Center
University of California
Davis and Berkeley
For the California Department of Transportation
Division of Research and Innovation
Office of Roadway Research
20 June, 2005
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents....................................................................................................................... ..... i
List of Figures ............................................................................................................................... . ii
List of Tables ............................................................................................................................... .. ii
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................... iii
1.0 Purpose of Project ............................................................................................................... 1
2.0 Background..................................................................................................................... ... 2
3.0 Goals, Objectives, and Delivarables ................................................................................... 3
3.1 Goals ............................................................................................................................... 3
3.2 Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 4
3.2.1 Literature Surveys....................................................................................................... 5
3.2.2 Develop PPRC Capability for Sound Intensity, Field Friction and Texture, and
Laboratory Sound Impedance Tube Measurement.................................................................. 7
3.2.3 Create Database Structure........................................................................................... 8
3.2.4 Collect Data on Field Sections in California .............................................................. 8
3.2.5 Collection of Field, Laboratory and Other Data for Open- Graded Mixes Outside
California ............................................................................................................................... 16
3.2.6 Performance Trend Analysis of Field, Laboratory, and Other Data for California
Roadway Surfaces ................................................................................................................. 17
3.2.7 Summary Report ....................................................................................................... 21
4.0 Potential Follow- on Projects............................................................................................. 21
4.1 Open Graded Asphalt Concrete Mix Laboratory Test Methods and Design................ 21
4.1.1 Update Developments in Mix Design Testing.......................................................... 22
4.1.2 Laboratory Evaluation of Mix Design Procedures and Laboratory Tests ................ 22
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4.2 Continued Long- Term Monitoring of Field Sections ................................................... 22
5.0 Test Methods..................................................................................................................... 22
6.0 Cost ............................................................................................................................... ... 25
7.0 Schedule....................................................................................................................... .... 25
Appendix A: List of Jobs from which Open- Graded and RAC- G California Sections ( Table 3)
Will be Selected ............................................................................................................................ 29
Appendix B: List of Sites from which Control Dense Graded Asphalt Concrete Sections ( Table
3) Will be Selected ( PPE2 Sites) .................................................................................................. 30
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Cost estimate for project................................................................................................ 27
Figure 2. Project schedule............................................................................................................. 28
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Summary of Objectives and Deliverables................................................................... 5
Table 2 Eight Caltrans Environmental Noise Monitoring Sites: Locations and Test Sections
within Them ( from Caltrans Environmental) ....................................................................... 10
Table 3 Experiment Design for Mainline Highway Sections ................................................ 11
Table 4 Data Collection, Sampling, and Testing in the Field ................................................ 13
Table 5 Laboratory Measurements and Tests on Field Cores Collected at the Sites............. 14
Table 6 Sources and Supporting Data Collection for Field Sites .......................................... 15
Table 7 Data Collection Schedule.......................................................................................... 16
iii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The central purpose of this research is to support the Caltrans Quiet Pavement Pilot
Program. The research conforms with FHWA guidance provided to State DOTs that conduct
tire/ pavement noise research. The broader purpose of this research is to support the Caltrans
Quieter Pavements Road Map and Work Plan, with goals and objectives that address quiet as
well as permeable asphalt surfaces for pavements.
Results from this research will identify best practice for selecting asphaltic surfaces based
on performance trends identified from field measurements for noise, permeability, friction and
durability. Results will include a literature survey and creation of a database of California
materials, designs, and specifications plus similar information from other states and Europe to
identify potentially better mixes. Results also will determine whether there is a correlation
between laboratory sound absorption as measured by impedance tube and field noise intensity,
which could provide a tool for evaluating mixes for noise properties as part of mix design.
Activities within the scope of this research focus on goals and objectives approved by the
Caltrans Pavement Standards Team:
1. Develop a database for lifetime performance trends to identify best practice for
California open- graded and rubberized mixes.
2. Summarize information on laboratory tests that correlate with pavement performance
from the stand point of noise and permeability, and gather information on mix design
methods, identifying best practices that can potentially be brought to California.
3. Survey practice and research in other states and Europe on the lifetime performance
of their open- graded mix types with respect to sound intensity, durability, friction,
and permeability. Gather and summarize their results, identifying promising mixes.
iv
4. Determine whether a relationship exists between a laboratory noise absorption test,
the impedance tube, and field sound intensity measurements.
Potential future phases of work include conducting new laboratory tests on California
mixes and those from other states and Europe for further consideration by Caltrans, and
continued long- term monitoring of field sections after the two years approved in this work plan.
These future phases will be reviewed by Caltrans at a later date for decisions on whether to
proceed.
Deliverables for each research objective are described in the Work Plan. The literature
survey by the Partnered Pavement Research Center ( PPRC) will include new information from
European laboratories and will summarize the state of the art on quiet and permeable pavements.
PPRC will become capable of performing tests for much- needed field measurement of sound and
surface friction as well as laboratory noise impedance testing. The bulk of project effort will be
spent on field data collection that will include eight Caltrans Environmental noise monitoring
locations plus approximately 66 mainline highway sites with various open- graded mixes,
rubberized mixes, Oregon F mix, and dense- graded asphalt concrete ( as a control). These
sections will represent different ages, traffic, and climate. Types of data, test methods, and
frequency of testing are described in this Work Plan, and PPRC will coordinate with Caltrans
Environmental to ensure compatibility of sound intensity data collection. Trend analysis will
relate mix performance to variables such as age, traffic, and climate, and will correlate sound
measurement techniques.
Project costs and schedule are presented in this Work Plan. The total project cost is
approximately $ 855,000. Nearly 40 percent of this cost is for traffic closures ($ 324,000) and 20
v
percent ($ 174,900) is for equipment. A key risk in this cost estimate is that PPRC does not have
funds for required traffic closures and for some equipment.
The project schedule spans a maximum of two years, with data collection after the second
year needing to be addressed in a follow- on project. Decision points are included in the schedule
so Caltrans annually can decide, after reviewing each year’s data, if further testing is warranted.
The data collection schedule heavily depends on traffic closures, and might double if District
Maintenance crews are unable to support this research effort or funds are not available for
contracted traffic closures. The selection of pavement sections with open- graded and rubberized
( RAC- G) surfacings also needs to be developed in cooperation with Caltrans Maintenance, who
will provide lists of potential sites. Collecting data for DGAC sections is dependent on the PPE2
contractor ( Stantec) schedule, so delays in their progress and contract might affect this project
schedule. Delays in having the PPRC contract amendment in place by 1 July 2005 also will delay
this project.
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1.0 PURPOSE OF PROJECT
The central purpose of this research is to support the Department’s Quiet Pavement Pilot
Program ( QPPP), which is meant ( 1) to show effectiveness of quiet pavement strategies and ( 2)
to evaluate changes in their noise mitigation properties over time.
The broader purpose of this research is to support the goals and objectives in the Caltrans
Quieter Pavements Road Map and Work Plan. These goals and objectives include both quiet
pavement as well as permeable pavement. The objective is to provide the following results, much
of which will support the Caltrans QPPP:
• Provide an indication of best practice for selecting current Caltrans open- graded
mixes for climate and traffic conditions based on statistical performance trends from
field measurements for noise, permeability, friction, and durability.
• Create a database and gather as much similar information from other states and
Europe as possible, in order to identify mixes that may have better performance than
Caltrans current mixes.
• Provide a survey of open- graded mix practice in the United States and Europe and
comparison with Caltrans mixes with regard to mix specification and design.
• Determine whether there is a correlation between laboratory sound absorption as
measured by impedance tube and field noise intensity, which if successful will
provide a tool for evaluating mixes for noise properties as part of mix design.
2
2.0 BACKGROUND
The California Department of Transportation ( Caltrans) has identified a need for research
in the areas of acoustics, friction, and pavement performance of pavement surfaces for the state
highway network. In November 2004, the Pavement Standards Team ( PST) approved a new
research goal for the Strategic Plan of the Partnered Pavement Research Center ( PPRC),
numbered 4.16. This document presents the detailed work plan for PPRC Strategic Plan Item
4.16, as approved by the PST.
The purpose of this research is to support the goals and objectives in the Caltrans Quieter
Pavements Road Map and Work Plan.
Caltrans currently uses open- graded asphalt concrete with conventional binders, with
polymer- modified binders, and with rubberized binders, and uses the Oregon F- mix, which has a
different gradation, in District 1. The four most important performance measures for open- graded
mixes are its acoustical properties, durability ( which with cost determines its life cycle cost),
permeability, and friction. Caltrans does not have good durability performance data for these
mixes as a function of type, variability of aggregate gradation within the current specification,
climate, and traffic. Open- graded mixes will not have the same durability as Portland cement
concrete or some dense graded asphalt surfaces. Therefore, if open- graded mixes are selected as
a means of reducing noise and maintaining permeability and friction, Caltrans will want to use
the mix with the lowest life cycle cost, which is a function of its construction cost, and the time
between renewals.
Previous work by Caltrans Environmental has shown that Caltrans open- graded mixes
reduce noise, and can produce noise levels as low as those of some mixes in Europe. However,
those noise measurements have not been statistically tied to variability of aggregate gradation,
3
mix type, permeability, age, traffic, climate, or roughness. The friction and permeability
performance of the current Caltrans mixes have also not been correlated with the same variables.
Caltrans is also interested in comparison of its current open- graded mixes with those of
other states and European agencies with regard to noise, durability, friction, and permeability
performance over time.
The results of the research will identify best practice for selecting asphaltic surfaces for
climate and traffic conditions based on statistical performance trends from field measurements
for noise, permeability, friction, and durability. It will create a database for this data, and gather
as much similar information from other states and Europe as possible for comparison to identify
mixes that may have better performance than Caltrans current mixes. It will provide a survey of
open- graded mix practice in the United States and Europe and comparison with Caltrans mixes
with regard to mix specification and design. It will determine whether there is a correlation
between laboratory sound absorption as measured by impedance tube and field noise intensity,
which if successful will provide a tool for evaluating mixes for noise properties as part of mix
design.
3.0 GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND DELIVARABLES
3.1 Goals
The goals of this research as approved by the PST are to:
1. Develop a database for lifetime performance trends to identify best practice. Trends
will be determined for California open- graded and RAC- G mixes with regard to
sound intensity, durability ( raveling, rutting, cracking), friction, and permeability.
Performance trends will be analyzed as a function of gradation, binder type, traffic
4
( speed, ADT, ADTT, ESALs), climate ( rainfall, temperature and freezing), and
roughness ( IRI).
2. Gather and summarize information on laboratory tests that are correlated with these
performance measures, gather information on mix design methods, and identify best
practices that can potentially be brought to California.
3. Survey practice and research in other states and Europe on the lifetime performance
of their open- graded mix types with respect to sound intensity, durability, friction,
and permeability. Gather and summarize performance data and identify promising
mixes that can be brought to California.
4. Determine whether a relation can be established between a laboratory noise
absorption test, the impedance tube, and field sound intensity measurements using
field cores.
As a potential future phase of work, laboratory tests identified by the survey would be
performed on California mixes to check the correlation with identified performance trends, if
approved by Caltrans after review of the information gathered on performance- related laboratory
tests. These same tests would be performed on the promising mixes identified from the survey of
other states and Europe for comparison with California mixes with known performance. Mixes
showing superior performance in the laboratory would be recommended for further consideration
by Caltrans.
3.2 Objectives
The deliverables of the objectives of this research will achieve the goals described above
( Table 1).
5
Table 1 Summary of Objectives and Deliverables
Work
Plan
Section Objective Deliverables
1.2.1 Literature survey 1. Literature survey of US practice performed by PPRC.
2. Literature survey of European practice performed by EMPA.
1.2.2 PPRC test
capability
PPRC operational capability to measure field sound intensity,
lab noise impedance, field surface friction.
1.2.3 Database structure Database structure. Populated database at completion of data
collection objective.
Data collection
Field sections in
California
Properties of as- built surfaces ( sound intensity, permeability,
friction, distresses) over time, with trends in data summarized
1.2.4 annually. Continued data collection as authorized by Caltrans.
Field and lab data
from outside
California
Database of measurements on outside mixes and report
summarizing data collected and trends.
1.2.5 Performance trend
statistical analysis
Report documenting statistical analysis results from Data
Collection objective, with summary of performance trends and
modeling results.
1.2.6 Two- year
summary report Report summarizing all of the work completed.
3.2.1 Literature Surveys
Literature surveys will be performed to evaluate current practice, and recent and ongoing
research in Europe and other states on open graded mixes. The focus of the literature surveys
will be on:
• Differences and similarities among California and other states and Europe with regard
to open- graded mix types used, specifically: gradations, binder contents, binder types.
• Design methods for open graded mixes in use, including laboratory test methods for
distress development, clogging, permeability, and acoustical properties.
• Performance of open graded mixes used by others, including identification of any
published performance data with respect to long- term noise, durability ( raveling,
rutting, cracking), friction, and permeability. Focus will be on relating that
6
information to California climates and traffic and identifying potential candidate
mixes from elsewhere that should be further evaluated in California.
This work will begin with a review of the recent scanning tours organized by FHWA and
asphalt technical groups as well as European groups working on this issue, and the report on
Noise Intensity Testing in Europe ( NITE). The literature to be reviewed also will include
Transportation Research Records, Proceedings of the Journal of the Acoustical Society of
America, the Purdue Road Noise Study, NCAT Reports, DOT websites, and websites of
European Road and Transport Institutes. It will also consider results of the following NCHRP
projects:
• 1- 43, Guide for Pavement Friction ( to be completed in October 2005)
• 9- 41, Performance and Maintenance of Permeable Friction Courses ( to be completed
in September 2006)
• 10- 67, Texturing of Concrete Pavements ( to be completed in February 2007)
• 1- 44, Measuring Tire- Pavement Noise at the Source ( pending)
Additional information on European mixes will also be gathered through partnership with
the Road division of Swiss Federal Laboratory for Materials Testing and Research ( EMPA)
where a similar literature survey will be performed. Much of this literature is published in
languages other than English. This literature will be summarized in English with the help of
EMPA. Other recent, ongoing, and planned research being performed in Europe will be
surveyed. Contacts have been established with the Danish National Roads Laboratory. The
DNRL works closely with the Netherlands, another leader in Europe.
7
The deliverable from this objective will be the literature survey performed by the PPRC.
A second deliverable will be the literature survey performed at EMPA.
3.2.2 Develop PPRC Capability for Sound Intensity, Field Friction and Texture, and
Laboratory Sound Impedance Tube Measurement
The PPRC will obtain the capability to perform sound intensity measurements in the field
that match or can be correlated with those performed by Caltrans Division of Environmental
Analysis ( Bruce Rymer) and his service providers, Illingworth and Rodkin. This will require
working with Illingworth and Rodkin to identify the required equipment components and
configuration, set them up, and train PPRC staff. This will also require working with Caltrans
Environmental to be certain that the measurements are acceptable by performing side- by- side
tests on the same field sections.
The possibility of developing a vehicle capable of simultaneously measuring noise
intensity and IRI through the purchase and addition of a laser profiling bar to the sound intensity
vehicle will be explored, and will be purchased if the equipment works. If this add- on IRI
capability is not feasible, then IRI will be collected using a different vehicle separate from the
sound intensity vehicle.
The PPRC will work with METS ( Caltrans Materials Engineering and Testing Services)
to identify the best testing equipment for field friction and texture measurements, and based on
recommendations, will obtain that equipment.
The PPRC will work with Caltrans Environmental to develop the capability to measure
noise impedance on pavement cores in the laboratory, and to ensure that the measurements are
compatible with those provided to Caltrans Environmental by their service providers. This will
8
require side- by- side testing on some cores using the PPRC equipment and the Caltrans
Environmental service provider.
The deliverables from this objective will be PPRC operating ability to measure field
sound intensity, laboratory noise impedance, and field surface friction.
3.2.3 Create Database Structure
The PPRC will create a database structure to be populated with the field, laboratory and
other data to be collected as part of this project. The database will be in Microsoft Access, and
will be capable of being loaded into Oracle. All of the data fields will be identified following
Caltrans Information Technology practice. The database will be fully accessible to Caltrans,
initially as spreadsheets and in Access and eventually through the web into the Oracle version.
Caltrans can use and distribute the data as needed.
As the data is collected it will be checked for quality and loaded into the database on an
ongoing basis.
The first deliverable of this objective will be the database structure. The second
deliverable will be the populated database at the completion of the data collection objective. This
work will all be performed by PPRC.
3.2.4 Collect Data on Field Sections in California
The purpose of testing field sections in California is to identify the properties of the as-built
surface materials and provide time histories of sound intensity, friction, texture,
permeability, surface distresses, and IRI. Details of testing to be performed are provided later in
this document.
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3.2.4.1 Section Selection
Field data will be collected on two sets of sections:
1. The eight Caltrans Environmental noise monitoring locations, many with several
different surface type sections.
2. A set of open- graded, RAC- G, and control DGAC mainline highway sites of different
ages to be identified as part of this work.
The eight Caltrans Environmental noise monitoring locations are identified in Table 2.
The set of open- graded, RAC- G, and control DGAC mainline highway sites will include
sections of different ages, traffic types, and climate regions. The details of the testing for this set
of sections are presented later in this document. The experiment design for the sections is shown
in Table 3. The experiment will evaluate 66 sections with no replicates. The open graded
sections will be selected from the list included in Appendix A. Each of these sections will need
to be checked to determine if it is a viable test section. This includes checking condition, and
whether constant speed of 35 or 60 mph ( two standard speeds used by the Caltrans
Environmental contractor) can be maintained for sound intensity measurements.
Existing dense graded RAC- G sections will be selected from the AC overlay on PCC
sections in the Pavement Performance Evaluation 2 ( PPE2) contract being performed by a
Caltrans DRI contractor ( Stantec), included in Appendix B. Some additional sections may need
to be identified if there are not sufficient viable sections in the PPE2 list. This experiment design
results in 5 × 2 × 2 × 3 = 60 sections, plus three to six Oregon F mix sections.
10
Table 2 Eight Caltrans Environmental Noise Monitoring Sites: Locations and Test
Sections within Them ( from Caltrans Environmental)
Section Name Location Surface Types Date
Constructed
Davis I- 80 3- Yol- 80, PM~ 2.9- 5.8 OGAC July 1998
Florin Road I- 5 3- Sac- 5, PM 17.2- 17.9 OGAC Fall 2004
LA county,
SR 138 7- LA- 138, PM 16- 21 75 mm OGAC, 30 mm
OGAC, RAC- O, BWC Spring 2002
San Mateo I- 280 4- SM- 280, PM R0.0- R5.6 RAC- O on PCC, grind
PCC Fall 2002
Mojave Bypass,
SR 581
8- Ker- 58, PM 107.7- 118,
west end of project in
eastbound lanes
Variety of groove, grind,
textured PCC Fall 2003
Euro Gap- Graded,
Rosemead Blvd,
El Monte
7- LA- 19/ 164, PM 3.4
Gap- graded mix
identified in European
scanning tour
May 2005
CIWMB Test
Sections,
Firebaugh
6- Fre- 33, PM 70.9- 75.08
RAC- G 45 mm
RAC- G 90 mm
RUMAC- GG 45 mm
RUMAC- GG 90 mm
Type G- MB 45 mm
Type G- MB 90 mm
Type D- MB 45 mm
Type D- MB 90 mm
DGAC 90 mm
Summer 2004
Santa Clara
SR 851
4- SCl- 85,
PM 14.63 to 15.51
Extend test
grooving of PCC
Summer 2005
scheduled
Notes:
1 These sections will be of second priority in scheduling testing because they may be monitored
through a different project.
OGAC = open graded asphalt concrete
BWC = bituminous wearing course
DGAC = dense graded asphalt concrete
RAC- G = Rubber asphalt concrete Type G
RUMAC- GG = rubber modified asphalt concrete, gap- graded, dry process
Type G- MB = asphalt concrete ( Type D- MB)
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Table 3 Experiment Design for Mainline Highway Sections
Surface Type
5 types
Climate Region
2 Regions
Traffic Type
( Congestion) 2 Types
Age
3 Ages
New
Mix of fast and slow, 1- 4 years
heavy 4 years or more
New
1- 4 years
High rainfall ( North
Coast, Bay Area,
Low Mountain) Fast
4 years or more
New
Mix of fast and slow 1- 4 years
4 years or more
New
1- 4 years
Conventional Open
Graded Asphalt
Concrete ( OGAC)
Low rainfall
( Valley, South
Coast, South
Mountain, Desert) Fast
4 years or more
New
Mix of fast and slow, 1- 4 years
heavy 4 years or more
New
1- 4 years
High rainfall ( North
Coast, Bay Area,
Low Mountain) Fast
4 years or more
New
Mix of fast and slow 1- 4 years
4 years or more
New
1- 4 years
Polymer Modified
Open Graded Asphalt
Concrete ( OGAC with
PMB) Low rainfall
( Valley, South
Coast, South
Mountain, Desert) Fast
4 years or more
New
Mix of fast and slow, 1- 4 years
heavy 4 years or more
New
1- 4 years
High rainfall ( North
Coast, Bay Area,
Low Mountain) Fast
4 years or more
New
Mix of fast and slow 1- 4 years
4 years or more
New
1- 4 years
Rubberized Open
Graded Asphalt
Concrete ( RAC- O and
RAC- O- HB) Low rainfall
( Valley, South
Coast, South
Mountain, Desert) Fast
4 years or more
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Table 3 ( continued)
Surface Type
5 types
Climate Region
2 Regions
Traffic Type
( Congestion) 2 Types
Age
3 Ages
New
Mix of fast and slow 1- 4 years
4 years or more
New
1- 4 years
High rainfall ( North
Coast, Bay Area,
Low Mountain) Fast
4 years or more
New
Mix of fast and slow 1- 4 years
4 years or more
New
1- 4 years
Rubberized Asphalt
Concrete Gap Graded
( RAC- G)
Low rainfall
( Valley, South
Coast, South
Mountain, Desert) Fast
4 years or more
New
mix of fast and slow 1- 4 years
4 years or more
New
1- 4 years
High rainfall ( North
Coast, Bay Area,
Low Mountain) Fast
4 years or more
New
Mix of fast and slow 1- 4 years
4 years or more
New
1- 4 years
Dense Graded Asphalt
Concrete
Low rainfall
( Valley, South
Coast, South
Mountain, Desert) Fast
4 years or more
New
1- 4 years
Oregon F Mix ( several
replicates for each cell
will be sought)
District 1 ( North
Coast) Fast
4 years or more
3.2.4.2 Data to be Collected, Tests, and Data Collection Schedule
The same type of data will be collected on both sets of field sections. The data to be
collected in the field is identified in Table 4. Laboratory tests on field samples are identified in
Table 5. Supporting data collection is identified in Table 6. The duration of the PPRC data
collection is summarized in Table 7. The Project Schedule in Part 4 of this work plan presents
the data collection schedule in greater detail, including decision points for the Pavement
Standards Team to evaluate cumulative results and decide whether to continue the data collection
and analysis effort in this research goal.
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Table 4 Data Collection, Sampling, and Testing in the Field
Type of
Data/ Sample
Specific Test or
Sample
Collect Annually or
Once at Beginning Comment
Condition
Survey1
Caltrans PMS
Condition Survey Annually Only pavement surface
variables will be collected
Permeability ASTM D 5084
falling head Annually Both in wheelpath and between
wheelpaths
Sound
Intensity3,5
Caltrans approved
method Annually
In wheelpath. Caltrans
Environmental will perform
tests until PPRC is equipped
and trained
Pavement
Surface
Temperature at
Time of Sound
Intensity
Infrared temperature
gun
At time of sound
intensity
measurement
Pavement temperature profile
can be estimated using
equations previously developed
by PPRC or BELLS equation
Air temperature Thermocouple
At time of sound
intensity
measurement
Friction
Dynamic Friction
Tester ASTM E
1911; British
Pendulum Number2
Annually In wheelpath
Macro texture Circular Friction
ASTM E 21572 Annually In wheelpath. Device will be
loaned by Arizona DOT
International
Roughness
Index ( IRI) 1
Laser profilometer Annually
Either by add- on equipment to
sound intensity vehicle, or
separately
Deflections Falling Weight
Deflectomer Annually PPRC only on SR 1384
Cores
Diameter: 100 mm
diameter on PPE2
sections; 100 and
150 mm on other
sections
Once
PPE2 sections: two between
wheelpath, three in wheelpath,
all 100 mm dia. Other sections:
eight 150 mm diameter cores
between wheelpaths, eight 150
mm cores in wheelpath
Notes:
1 Same survey will be replicated by Stantec on PPE2 sections.
2 Specific test equipment or method will be per METS recommendation.
3 Same test will be replicated by Caltrans Environmental on eight Caltrans Environmental noise
monitoring locations
4 Deflections using the Falling Weight Deflectometer will continue to be collected on SR138 in
the set of Caltrans Environmental sections as it has been since 2002. This is the only section in
that set with an asphalt concrete pavement below.
5 On new sections, sound intensity will also be collected before construction.
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Table 5 Laboratory Measurements and Tests on Field Cores Collected at the Sites
Type of
Data/ Sample
Specific Test or
Sample
Collect Annually or
Once at Beginning Comment
Impedance tube
noise absorption
Per Caltrans
Environmental Once Exact test procedure in
development1
Extent of
clogging test
Test to be performed
by EMPA. Exact
procedure to be
determined.
Once
Similar research underway
at FHWA and Danish
National Roads Institute
Thickness of
surface layer Once
Thickness of
underlying layers Once
Evaluate for
moisture damage Once
Visual procedure used for
PPRC Moisture
Sensitivity work
Bulk specific
gravity CoreLok Once
Will be performed by
Stantec on PPE2 DGAC
sections
Max theoretical
specific gravity CT 309 Once Will be performed by
Stantec on PPE2 sections
Air- void content Once
Using bulk and max
theoretical specific
gravities
Binder content
from core CT 382
Once, only sections
where original
aggregate source and
gradation available2
Ignition test ( if raw
aggregate are available)
Aggregate
gradation from
core
CT 202 Once
From aggregate after
binder removal. Will be
repeated where aggregate
samples are collected
during construction3
CT scan
( tomography) for
clogging
Experimental test Once
To be performed by
EMPA and maybe Texas
A& M
Notes:
1 Test method will be based on NCAT procedure. Test procedure will be determined in
consultation with Caltrans Environmental ( Bruce Rymer). Same test will be replicated on a set of
cores by Caltrans Environmental contractor.
2 Raw aggregate sample with gradation used on project required to calibrate ignition oven binder
content measurements, which will not be available from many older projects.
3 Where aggregate and binder can be sampled during construction, collect bin samples to batch
250 kg and binder quantity to match based on design binder content. Also collect 100 kg of belt
aggregate sample when QC data not collected.
15
Table 6 Sources and Supporting Data Collection for Field Sites
Type of
Data/ Sample Specific Test or Sample
Collect Annually or
Once at Beginning Comment
From District Office or on- line as- builts
As- Built
Information
Underlying structure, date
of construction Once
Mix information
Job mix formula, QC/ QA
data on aggregate and
binder, binder content
Once
May not exist
for all open-graded
Typical traffic speed
distribution across week
and or level of service
Once
Average daily traffic Once
Traffic data
Percent trucks Once
From Climate Databases ( CDIM and NCDC for historical, local weather data sources for most
recent data not yet in national databases)
Annual rainfall Over life
Freeze- thaw cycles Over life
Climate data Degree- days above 30° C Over life
Freezing Index Over life
From PMS database and HQ Maintenance and HQ Design1
Time history of
condition survey Once Since
construction
Time history of IRI Once Since
construction
Traffic index ( ESALs) Once
Traffic data Average Daily Traffic Once
Percent trucks Once
From WIM database
Traffic index ( ESALs) Once Where a WIM
station exists
Average Daily Traffic Once Where a WIM
station exists
Percent trucks Once Where a WIM
station exists
From WIM database
Traffic speed distribution Once Where a WIM
station exists
Notes:
1 Condition and IRI data from the PMS database may not be useful if survey beginning and end
point do not match overlay beginning and end point.
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Table 7 Data Collection Schedule
Type of test section
Duration of PPRC
Data Collection1,3
PST Evaluation
Times2
Eight Caltrans Environmental noise monitoring
locations 10 years every year
Set of open- graded, RAC- G and control DGAC
mainline highway sites of different ages 10 years every year
Notes:
1 the number of sections being evaluated will diminish with time as sections are overlaid or
removed.
2 PST to evaluate whether to proceed with next year’s testing after reviewing every year’s data
collection
3 Data collection after the first two years included in this plan would be a follow- on project.
3.2.4.3 Deliverables
The deliverable from this objective will be the databases with all measurements. A
second deliverable will be a report summarizing the first two years of data collected and the
trends in the data. A longer time scale than that of the PPRC measurements will be included for
those sections for which valid PMS data can be found. This report will be updated annually, for
as long as data collection is authorized. Periodic updates on data collection progress will be made
to the PST as requested. Materials from new construction sections will be stored at the PPRC for
any future work.
3.2.5 Collection of Field, Laboratory and Other Data for Open- Graded Mixes Outside
California
Agencies and research organizations that are interested in partnering on this project will
be asked to provide data for the variables included in the database structure. The variables will
be acoustic, permeability, and surface condition distress performance for their sections with
corresponding mix, climate, traffic, and IRI explanatory data, as described in the previous
17
objective ( Section 1.2.4 of this work plan). The partnering organizations will be provided with
California information and access to the information produced as part of this project.
The Swiss Federal Roads Laboratory ( EMPA) has already agreed to partner. Other likely
partners include the other three states in the State Pavement Technology Consortium
( Washington, Minnesota, Texas), Arizona, and the Danish National Roads Laboratory ( DNRL,
who have been working closely with their counterparts in the Netherlands).
The deliverables from this objective will be the databases with all measurements, and a
report summarizing the data collected and the trends in the data. The report will also compare the
results with the results from the California mixes to identify potential candidate mixes from
elsewhere that should be further evaluated in California.
The extent of data gathered by the PPRC depends on the willingness and ability of
partnering organizations to collect the data.
3.2.6 Performance Trend Analysis of Field, Laboratory, and Other Data for California
Roadway Surfaces
The results of the first two years of data collection on California roadway surfaces
described in the previous objective will be further analyzed for performance trends for the
performance measures [ sound intensity, permeability, friction, and surface condition ( distresses)]
over time and as a function of the explanatory variables. If the data permits, models will be
developed for sound intensity, permeability, and surface condition as a function of the materials,
climate, traffic, age, and IRI variables.
An outline of the planned trend analyses, described in more detail below, is as follows:
• Relating mix performance measures to explanatory variables
18
· Performance trend analysis annually on cumulative data using repeated measures
analysis of variance
· After the second year’s data collection, models will be developed for the
performance measures using panel data analysis ( time series)
· Repeat the analyses shown above if sufficient compatible data obtained from
partners, once separately and once pooling with California data
• Correlations of sound measurement technologies
· Laboratory impedance tube with field sound intensity
· Laboratory impedance with statistical pass- by
· Statistical pass- by with field sound intensity
For performance trend analysis, data collected annually will be evaluated by repeated
measures analysis of variance ( ANOVA) to evaluate permeability, texture, and friction
parameters over time for pavements with different mix types, materials variables, and age, and
under different climate and traffic conditions and IRI. Repeated measures ANOVA is used to
examine and compare response measurement trends over time. Pavements will be grouped
according to mix type ( such as OGAC, RAC- O, RAC- G, DGAC, and polymer- modified
OGAC), age, traffic index, and climate regions. Sound intensity, permeability, friction, and
surface condition measurements will be considered as dependent variables of the experiment.
This analysis will identify the effects of the explanatory variables and their interactions,
and time effects on the dependent variables.
At the end of the second year of data collection, models will be developed for each
performance measure ( sound intensity, permeability, friction and condition survey distresses) for
which the ANOVA shows sufficiently strong statistical correlation between the performance
19
measure and the explanatory variables. For example, the sound intensity model would predict
sound intensity as a function of the potential explanatory variables of permeability/ air- void
content, friction, macrotexture, age, traffic variables ( speed, ADT, etc.), aggregate gradation,
binder type, surface distresses, IRI, layer thickness, sound absorption ( from impedance tube),
climate region, and pavement temperature.
Since the measurements will be conducted as time series, the information will reflect the
changes in sound intensity caused by different characteristics of the pavements as well as the
changes over time. Panel data regression will be conducted on the data. This analysis is used
routinely by statisticians to capture long term time trends by taking measurements through time
over a small number of periods.
This approach has been applied in three comparable studies describe below:
1. NCAT ( D. Hanson and R. S. James) conducted a similar analysis with dense graded
sections of NCAT Test Track which contains 46 different pavement surfaces. They
tried to model the CPX noise levels by air- void content and fineness modulus. The
coefficient of variability was found to be 0.64. NCAT also looked at the age effects
on noise levels. The single event measurements were conducted on the 10 dense
graded pavements in Colorado with ages from 1 to 6 years. They found that older
pavements produce higher noise levels.
2. Arizona DOT studied the age effects on the noise of the ARFC mixes for their Quiet
Pavement Pilot Program. During summer 2002, close proximity ( CPX) measurements
were conducted on ARFC surfaces in Arizona with ages of 3 to 12 years. This data
suggested that there was a 5dB reduction associated with age.
20
3. Wisconsin DOT used linear regression to model the noise levels ( close proximity) of
PCC pavements in Wisconsin and some other states. Noise measurements were
conducted on 25 pavements from Wisconsin, 6 from Iowa, 7 from Minnesota, 6 from
Colorado, and 6 from North Dakota which had different textures. The test sections
had a wide range of ages. Exterior noise levels were predicted using friction, tine
depth and tine width.
If sufficient quantities of compatible data are obtained from a partner organization, it will
be included in the statistical analysis. This analysis would be repeated twice, once pooling the
California and outside data, and once using the outside data for comparison with the California
models.
The field sound intensity measurements and laboratory impedance tube measurements for
cores from same field sections will be analyzed to see if there is a statistical relationship. These
two tests measure different properties, but may be dependent on the same explanatory variables
to sufficient extent that laboratory impedance tube could be useful to predict sound intensity for
use in mix design.
It may be possible to correlate statistical- pass- by measurements ( SPB) being collected by
Caltrans Environmental with the field sound intensity data and the laboratory impedance tube
data ( noise absorption) from cores from the same Caltrans Environmental sections ( Table 2).
This approach is being tried in the United Kingdom at this time. This would permit prediction of
SPB, which is the roadside noise measure, based on sound intensity and impedance tube
measurements.
21
The deliverable from this objective will be a report documenting the statistical analysis
results and summarizing the performance trends and modeling results. The ANOVAs indicating
the correlation of the performance variables with the explanatory variables will be reported after
analysis of each round of testing.
3.2.7 Summary Report
At the end of the second year’s activities ( or the first year’s activities if PST decides to
terminate work after the first year of data collection), a report summarizing all of the work
completed will be prepared.
4.0 POTENTIAL FOLLOW- ON PROJECTS
4.1 Open Graded Asphalt Concrete Mix Laboratory Test Methods and Design
The deliverables of the work described in Section 3 will provide Caltrans with
information regarding the performance of current California open graded mixes, promising mix
designs from outside California, and mix design methods and tests from outside California.
It is proposed that at the end of the second year of field testing and analysis, the PST will
decide whether to authorize two additional objectives which are roughly outlined below.
The goal of the two follow- on objectives would be to develop a mix design procedure for
open graded asphalt concrete materials and would include performance related laboratory tests
for acoustics, pavement surface performance, permeability and friction.
22
4.1.1 Update Developments in Mix Design Testing
The literature search would be updated to examine findings from ongoing developments
in open graded mix design procedures and any performance- related laboratory tests being
developed in the US ( particularly by NCAT) and in Europe. The deliverable would be a report
summarizing the findings.
4.1.2 Laboratory Evaluation of Mix Design Procedures and Laboratory Tests
The results of the previous objective would be evaluated by applying them to typical
Caltrans mixes and comparison with the results of field performance evaluation of Caltrans and
promising candidate mixes identified from outside California. It is anticipated that at most three
mix design procedures would be applied to three mixes with two variables in each, such as
aggregate gradation, resulting in at most 3 mix design procedures × 3 mixes × 2 variables = 18
mix designs. These results would be evaluated for implementation by Caltrans. The deliverable
for this project will be a report with the recommended mix design method for open graded
mixes.
4.2 Continued Long- Term Monitoring of Field Sections
A potential follow- on project to be reviewed by the PST at the end of this project would
be continued annual monitoring of the field sections following the plan laid out in Table 4.
5.0 TEST METHODS
The test methods to be used in this research are summarized as follows:
23
• Air- void Content: Air- void content of the mixes will be determined by using bulk
specific gravities from the CoreLok Method and Maximum Theoretical Specific
Gravities following Caltrans procedure CT 309.
• Permeability: Permeability will be measured in the field by falling head permeameter
following ASTM D 5084. Falling head test measures the amount of head loss through
a given sample over a given time.
• Friction: Friction will be measured by Dynamic Friction Tester following ASTM
Standard E 1911- 98. The Dynamic Friction Test is a portable instrument which
measures dynamic coefficient of friction.
• Macrotexture: Macrotexture will be measured by Circular Texture Meter ( ASTM E
2157- 01). The Circular Texture Meter is a road surface macrotexture profiler, in
which a CCD ( Charged Coupled Device) Laser Displacement Sensor is used. It is
designed to measure the macrotexture on the same circular track on which the
Dynamic Friction Tester measures the dynamic coefficient of friction. The Circular
Texture Meter reports the MPD ( Mean Profile Depth) as well as the RMS ( Root
Mean Square). International Friction Index ( IFI) can be computed using the Circular
Texture Meter together with the Dynamic Friction Tester.
• Age: Age of the pavements will be obtained from pavement management systems
database and district office records.
• Traffic Index: Traffic Index or Average Daily Traffic will be obtained from pavement
management systems database.
24
• Aggregate Gradation: Aggregate samples will be obtained from cores after subjecting
them to binder content removal by the Ignition Oven Method ( CTM 382) and then
sieve analysis ( CTM 202).
• Binder Type: Specified binder types will be obtained from pavement management
systems database or construction and design records, where available.
• IRI ( International Roughness Index): Roughness of the pavements will be measured
by an IRI laser bar mounted on the sound intensity vehicle.
• Layer Thickness: Layer thickness will be determined from the cores obtained.
• Noise levels: Noise levels of pavement will be measured by Sound Intensity Method.
• Sound Absorption: Sound absorption will be measured by impedance tube. Standing
wave fields are generated in the tube using a loudspeaker. The maximums and
minimums of the sound pressure are measured by two microphones aligned along the
length of the tube. Standing wave ratio, which is the ratio of sound pressure
maximums and minimums, is used to determine the sound absorption coefficient of
the test sample. The working frequency of the measurement is usually between 125 to
2000 Hz depending of the tube diameter. ( ASTM E1050- 98 Standard Test Method for
Impedance and Absorption of Acoustical Materials Using a Tube, Two Microphones,
and a Digital Frequency Analysis System.)
• Climate Data: to be collected from local data sources, or National Climate Data
Center if available in time.
• Air and Pavement temperature: Air and pavement temperature will be measured
during sound intensity measurements.
25
6.0 COST
The cost estimate is shown in Figure 1. The primary risk in the cost estimate is that the
PPRC does not have sufficient funds to pay for the traffic closures and some of the equipment.
Efforts must be made to identify additional funds for those two items.
7.0 SCHEDULE
The primary risks in the schedule ( Figure 2) are:
1. The PPRC does not have sufficient funds to pay for the traffic closures. If traffic
closures must be performed by District Maintenance forces without having a Caltrans
EA to charge to the time to complete each year’s data collection will likely double. If
District Maintenance does not have sufficient resources to perform traffic closures,
the data collection time and the staff time necessary to arrange closures will also
increase. An alternative for Caltrans is to provide additional funds for contracted
traffic closures. Expeditious handling of district lane closure encroachment permits
will be required if contracted traffic closures are used.
2. The PPRC is relying on Caltrans Maintenance to provide lists of pavement sections
with open- graded asphalt and RAC- G surfacings in the various age categories. Delays
in obtaining those lists ( found by searching project records for appropriate item
codes) will delay identification of sections for the factorial and field data collection.
3. Collection of data from other agencies is dependent on those agencies supplying the
data to the PPRC in a timely manner.
4. Collection of data for DGAC sections is dependent on the PPE2 data collection
schedule. The PPE2 contractor ( Stantec) is expediting data collection on sections of
importance to this project. However, any problems with that contract would require
26
the PPRC to do extra work to collect that data, which might delay the data collection
schedule.
5. Any delay in the PPRC contract amendment being in place by 1 July, 2005 will delay
the project.
27
Estimated Costs for First Two Years
all costs are fully loaded Objective person/ month assignments
Cost Item unit $/ unit
Literature
Surveys
PPRC Test
Capability
Create
Database
Collect
Field, Lab,
Other Data
Collect
Data from
Outside
Analysis
of Data
Summary
Report TOTAL
PPRC
Princ Investigator* mo $ 8 ,580 0.1 0.25 1 1 0.5 0.25 $ 2 6,598
Project Engineer ( Phd) mo $ 9 ,240 0.5 2 0.5 0.5 $ 3 2,340
Grad Student mo $ 2 ,888 2 3 0.07 15 1.5 4 0.5 $ 7 5,268
Staff Engineers mo $ 7 ,828 1 9 $ 7 8,283
Editor mo $ 7 ,828 0.1 0.25 $ 2 ,740
Database engineer mo $ 7 ,828 0.1 0.5 0.2 $ 6 ,263
Lab tests crew mo $ 8 ,000 4 $ 3 2,000
Student Field Crew mo $ 8 ,000 9 $ 7 2,000
Staff subtotal $ 3 25,491
Field Travel & expense ( 80 full day, 80 half) day $ 2 50 $ 3 0,000 $ 3 0,000
Total= $ 355,491
* salary portion paid by PPRC
Equipment ( including overhead) $ 174,900 $ 174,900
Equipment details w/ o overhead
sound intensity incl vehicle $ 6 0,000 including training & calibration
circular friction test loan from Ariz DOT
dynamic texture meter $ 2 9,000
Impedance Tube $ 1 0,000
IRI laser profilometer bar $ 6 0,000
British Pendulum Test loan from Caltrans
Traffic closures ( 80 full day, 80 half)** day $ 3,000 $ 3 24,000 $ 324,000
** 12 DGAC sections traffic control by Stantec
TOTAL= $ 854,391
Figure 1. Cost estimate for project.
28
Figure 2. Project schedule.
29
APPENDIX A: LIST OF JOBS FROM WHICH OPEN- GRADED AND RAC- G
CALIFORNIA SECTIONS ( TABLE 3) WILL BE SELECTED
Summary of locations from which OGAC and RAC- G sections to be selected.
District 1: 68 Open graded Asphalt Concrete
District 2: 11 Open Graded AC, 4 RAC- G
District 3: 52 Open Graded AC, 1 polymer modified AC, 5 RAC- O, 3 RAC- G
District 4: 57 Open Graded AC, 2 polymer modified AC, 1 RAC- O, 25 RAC- G
District 5: 17 Open Graded AC, 1 polymer modified AC, 0 RAC- O, 2 RAC- G
District 6: 10 Open Graded AC, 1 polymer modified AC, 1 RAC- O, 12 RAC- G
District 7: 3 Open Graded AC, 3 polymer modified AC, 1 RAC- O, 29 RAC- G
District 8: 35 Open Graded AC, 0 polymer modified AC, 1 RAC- O, 5 RAC- G
District 9: 4 Open Graded AC, 6 polymer modified AC, 0 RAC- O, 0 RAC- G
District 10: 4 Open Graded AC, 0 polymer modified AC, 2 RAC- O, 8 RAC- G
District 11: 0 Open Graded AC, 0 polymer modified AC, 1 RAC- O, 15 RAC- G
District 12: 7 Open Graded AC, 0 polymer modified AC, 1 RAC- O, 10 RAC- G
Complete list in separate excel file
30
APPENDIX B: LIST OF SITES FROM WHICH CONTROL DENSE GRADED
ASPHALT CONCRETE SECTIONS ( TABLE 3) WILL BE SELECTED ( PPE2 SITES)
Summary of locations from which DGAC sections to be selected.
District 2: 14 sections
District 4: 3 sections
District 5: 23 sections
District 6: 6 sections
District 10: 10 sections
Complete list included in separate excel file.
DGAC sections for which data is available from the PPRC Moisture Sensitivity field study
( PPRC 4.9) and which did not show moisture damage, and the pilot segmentation study ( PPRC
3.2.4) will also be considered for selection for this experiment. Coring and office data will
already have been collected on these sections