Performance Monitoring of Olmsted CR 117 and 104 and Aggregate Base Material Update

Status: Complete
Report Date: 04/15/2024

Summary:

A performance monitoring and forensic study was conducted on several test sections with varying base and pavement characteristics. This report combines the performance data from the current phase extended until pavement reconstruction with the previously reported data. Each of the three original test sections were prepared with a different combination of base type and asphalt binder type. Three different crushed limestone base types were used in the construction; namely (Section 1) Standard Class 5, (Section 2) Permeable Aggregate Base (PAB), and (Section 3) Class 5 Modified. Two different types of asphalt binders, PG 58-28 and PG 58-34, were incorporated to evaluate the effects of cold temperature cracking. All asphalt mixtures were designed according to MnDOT Specification 2350. In addition to the comparison between sections, each road sections were constructed, both with and without transverse sawn-and-sealed regularly spaced joints, to evaluate the relative performance for ride and cracking (both spacing and crack severity) of sawing and sealing (S&S) versus allowing thermal cracking to relieve tensile stress without sawing and sealing (non S&S). Prior to reconstruction, the severity of cracking in Section 1 was significantly higher than Sections 2 and 3 with no severe cracking observed in Section 3. This study confirmed previous research efforts on this project, indicating that the combination of PG58-34 binder with class 5 modified base material (Section 3) and PAB base (Section 2) performed well as compared to the control section. Seasonal trends of reduced stiffness during spring thaw followed by rapid recovery was also observed in the FWD analysis.

Final Deliverables:

Performance Monitoring of Olmsted CR 117 and 104 and Aggregate Base Material Update (Report #2024-01)
Finding High-Performing Aggregate Bases (Research Summary)

Related Materials:

Finding High-Performing Aggregate Bases for Long-Lasting Pavement (Blog Post)

Related Research:

Project Personnel:

Principal Investigator: Kyle Hoegh
Technical Liaison: Kaye Bieniek
Project Coordinator: Jackie Jiran
Panel Members:
    Christine Dulian - District 6
    Michael Sheehan - Olmsted County Engineer
    Scott Holmes - Olmsted County Public Works