The objective of this project is to assist CDOT in assessing the feasibility of using friction as a performance management tool in winter maintenance operations. If using friction as a performance management tool is determined to be feasible, an implementation plan will be developed, as well as a training tool for winter maintenance practitioners..

The objective of this project is to further validate/improve the design and analysis methodologies for concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) to concrete pile cap connections , and to ensure the efficacy of these methodologies for a wide variety of potential design configurations.. .

The purpose of this project is to develop a guide that can serve as a comprehensive information source on effective practices for converting severely distressed paved roads to acceptable unpaved surfaces.. .

The objectives of this research are to evaluate the potential for alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) in the state of Montana, and to develop a testing protocol for identifying potential reactive aggregates.. .

The objective of this project is to further characterize the non-proprietary UHPC mixes developed in the Phase I research, and ensure its successful application in field-cast joints. This objective will be achieved by (1) investigating the potential variability in concrete performance related to differences in constituent materials, (2) investigating issues related to the field batching/mixing of the these UHPC mixes, and (3) testing rebar bond strength and studying how this will affect requisite development lengths..

The objective of this project is to conduct full-scale indoor testing of reinforced pavement test sections using a traffic simulator to provide performance data and to evaluate a spreadsheet-based design tool that can be used to augment current design procedures.. .

The objective of this project is to investigate road friction after deicing during winter storms.. .

The objective of this project is to assist the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT)in updating its process for selecting and managing crack sealant products.. .

The objective of this project is to use a load frame for biaxial loading to examine the biaxial response of an array of geosynthetics.. .

The objectives of this research project are to identify existing and developing technology for mobile chloride detection that provide real time data, test the feasibility and reliability of the technology, and determine if this technology can be used real time by winter maintenance practitioners in the decision making process.. .

The objective of this work is to conduct a second phase of a project to provide guidance to manage slopes by developing and implementing an asset management-based unstable slope management program for Federal Land Management Agencies and Tribes that can be adopted by other local state agencies with similar assets and infrastructure assessment needs.. .

The objective of this project is to update the South Dakota Department of Transportation specifications and construction guidelines related to designing and constructing roads in areas containing subgrade soils with high potential for expansion and/or shrinkage.. .

The objective of this project is to provide guidance for managing slopes by developing and implementing an asset management-based unstable slope management program (USMP) for Federal Land Management Agencies, tribal agencies, other state and local agencies with similar assets and infrastructure assessment needs.. .

The objective of this project is to establish the feasibility of using geosynthetic strain measurements from reinforced pavement test sections to establish relationships between a permanent to resilient strain ratio and a normalized traffic pass level. This information is needed as input to a design method for reinforced pavements previously established in a project for FHWA..

The project will develop mechanistic-empirical design methods compatible with the 2002 Pavement Design Guide for flexible pavements structurally reinforced with geosynthetics and steel meshes.. .

The final report identified best practices for culvert asset management systems in state departments of transportation (DOTs).  Researchers conducted an extensive literature review and surveyed state DOTs, with 47 states responding.  In the survey, 33 states reported that they inspect small culverts.  Nineteen states reported that they had culvert inspection manuals. The survey also found that culvert inspections are carried out by DOT maintenance staff, student or summer interns/workers, bridge inspectors, or central staff. Twenty-one state DOTs reported that they provided culvert inspection training, either developed in-house (15 states) or based on bridge inspection (6 states).  Researchers also identified the most common data fields collected in culvert inspection and inventory databases, as well as the most common technologies (e.g., Trimble, iPad, paper, or a combination) used for field collection of data.  Photos are incorporated into the inventory data system in 21 states.  Inventory software included state-developed systems, Agile Assets, and AASHTOWare.

As described in greater detail in the final report, the investigation yielded several conclusions including: suitable materials for use in ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) can be easily obtained in the state of Montana; the initial 4-variable central composite design (CCD) proved to be an efficient tool for characterizing the effect of the various concrete constituents on the performance of UHPC; the follow-on 3-variable CCD also proved to be a very useful tool for characterizing the effects of the various concrete constituents on the performance of UHPC, and also proved useful for optimization; batch size and mixing method were observed to have a significant effect on resultant plastic and hardened concrete properties; the mechanical and durability tests performed on the selected UHPC mix demonstrated the exceptional mechanical properties and durability of this material; and overall this research demonstrated that self-consolidating, non-proprietary UHPC mixes can be made economically (less than $1,000/yd3) with materials readily available in the state of Montana.
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The final report describes the survey findings, which included the following. Response to this survey indicated use of micropiles in situations for which they were intended. The use of micropiles was tied to the availability of qualified contractors

The final report summarizes the work to develop a new specification, which included conducting a review of current ¾-inch minus specifications from around the U.S., using that
information to generate a preliminary specification to create ¾-inch minus mixes, testing the material properties of these mixes, and modifying these mixes to determine the effect changes in the gradation primarily had on its strength, stiffness and permeability. Based on the results of multiple statistical evaluations as well as qualitative
comparisons, it was concluded that a ¾-inch minus gradation specification will perform at least as well as Montana’s existing CBC-6A materials and better than CBC-5A materials. Gradation limits for a new ¾-inch minus, Grade 7A, crushed base course were suggested; however, the practicality of producing mixes that fit within the suggested gradation limits still needs to be determined.

The survey conducted for this project identified 48 local, state, and federal agencies that have conducted road conversions and nine more that are considering this action. Almost 70 conversion
projects were identified and a total of 550 miles of road converted to unpaved.  In seeking a cost-effective alternative to continued maintenance and repair of deteriorating pavement, agencies have begun to recognize that many roads with very low traffic volumes can be maintained more economically and at a higher level of service with an unpaved or granular surface.

Final Report available in documents below or through the TRB (National Academies of Sciences) website.

As described in the final report, this research evaluated both a conventional cast in place deck system and an accelerated bridge deck system (cast integral with the truss) for the bolted/welded steel truss bridge. A 3D finite element model was used to more accurately calculate the distribution of lane and truck loads to the individual trusses. Truss
members and connections for both construction alternatives were designed using loads from AASHTO Strength I, Fatigue I, and Service II load combinations

The objective of this project is to monitor a newly constructed deep patch installation to better understand its long-term behavior and performance. .

The main objective of this project is to refine and implement geosynthetic specifications used by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.

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This research documented current knowledge and practice related to evaluation of plus grades of performance graded (PG) asphalt binder, with a focus on the scenarios of interest to NMDOT. The synthesis in the final report mainly includes a discussion of the following issues: history of polymer modified binders (PMBs) for asphalt pavement, selection of polymer for asphalt modification, evaluation of PMB properties, binder specifications for PMBs, cost analysis, recommendations, and future work. Recent years have seen the introduction of PG Plus Binders, the success of which hinges on the use of elastomer and/or rubber for binder modification

The objective of this project is to prepare a report that identifies states that have legislatively authorized modified weight limits for specialized hauling vehicles, as well as the experiences and impacts in states that have authorized their use.. .

The objective of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of polyester concrete bridge deck overlays on simulated box girder bridge decks that have experienced various levels of deterioration.. .

The objective of this research was to assess the efficacy of pervious concrete in areas subject to snow plow operations and abrasive and salt application, in terms of managing quantity and quality of stormwater runoff.. .

The final report describes the results of the field demonstration project and the mixture optimization investigation. As part of the field demonstration project, two RAP-concrete slabs were cast on a roadway near Lewistown, MT, and monitored for damage, shrinkage, and curling over a two-year period. There were no logistical issues associated with the construction of the slabs, and no damage and only minor shrinkage/curling was observed

The objective of this research is to validate the deep patch road repair design technique developed in Phase I by constructing a small-scale field test section and/or performing several scaled model laboratory tests.. .

The objectives of this research were to survey existing approaches to post-fire evaluations based on their relevance to historic covered timber bridges; customize a non-destructive technique for determining the residual capacity of individual, fire-damaged, glued laminated beams; and produce a “how-to” guide comprised of guidelines and techniques for conducting post-fire evaluations.. .

As described in the final report, full-scale test sections were constructed, trafficked and monitored to compare the relative operational performance of geosynthetics used as subgrade stabilization as well as determine which material properties are most related to performance. Seventeen, 50-ft. long test sections were constructed – fourteen containing geosynthetic reinforcement and three without

The objective of this project is to design a biaxial tension testing machine and develop testing protocol to measure Poisson’s ratio of various geosynthetics. .

The primary goal of this project is to provide guidance specific to Montana design and construction practices that will result in more efficient prestress concrete bridge structures.. .

The primary goal of this project is to provide guidance specific to Montana design and construction practices that will result in more efficient prestress concrete bridge structures.. .

The goal of this project is to develop a Road Dust Institute and create a website for storing and disseminating research.. .

As described in the final report, Alaska geosynthetic specifications were thoroughly reviewed, and modifications to their existing specifications were suggested based on information from multiple sources accumulated from decades of research and experience from manufacturers, designers, researchers and practitioners. Changes were suggested to update the specification to:
1) improve clarity and flow, make formatting and layout consistent with other Alaska specifications, and maintain active voice,
2) update content to make it more consistent with standard practice, design, recent developments in materials and design, and existing state and federal specifications, and
3) make it consistent with the unique Alaska conditions or standard practices..

As described in the final report, an analysis of reuse and recycle options for salvaged traction sand was conducted using results of mechanical and chemical tests
conducted on samples collected along the Bozeman Pass and the Lookout Pass areas. The results indicate there are viable alternatives to landfilling or roadside dumping of collected traction sand. The most appealing and cost-effective option is to reuse the collected material as traction sand in subsequent winters

The objective of this research is to conduct a review of the Bridge-in-a-Backpack system – a new construction technology for a corrosion-resistant arch bridge – and other traditional crossing systems that may be used in Montana, to determine where they can be applied with maximum efficacy.. .

As described in the final report, this study developed and evaluated in the laboratory a multi-parameter corrosionmonitoring system for existing reinforced concrete structures in chloride-laden service environments. The study improved and validated the SwRI corrosion sensor prototype for use in the concrete corrosion monitoring system; developed algorithms for quality control and interpretation of the sensor data; made viable recommendations to implement the corrosion monitoring system for existing DOT inventories of RC bridges; and delivered a deployable prototype corrosion sensing system for DOTs to continue field evaluations. The performance and reliability of the SwRI corrosion sensor were confirmed by the benchmark test in simulated concrete pore solutions

The final synthesis presents information on cost-effective and sustainable road slope stabilization techniques, with a focus on shallow or near-surface slope stabilization and related erosion control methods used on low-volume roads. To fully address this topic planning and site investigation are discussed as well as erosion control techniques, soil bioengineering and biotechnical techniques, mechanical stabilization and earthwork techniques..

The main objective of this project is to establish an organization dedicated to improving road dust management and a website that collects and disseminate information about the issue. .

As described in the final report, the research team evaluated the deep patch slope repair methodology by analytical methods and field observations for the purpose of developing a simple design method suitable for use by Federal Lands Highway and Forest Service personnel. Literature was reviewed, current design methodologies were documented and site visits were conducted to better understand how the deep patch methodology has been used in the past, to evaluate the performance of in-service deep patch sites and to help authenticate the newly proposed design method. An analytical study was conducted to model the effects of various slope configurations, failure mechanisms, deep
patch design geometries, and type of geosynthetics using 2D and 3D computer modeling software

The goal of this project is to test and prepare concrete mixtures using fly ash as the binding agent, for use in a pilot project to construct a concrete boat ramp with recycled materials.. .

The objective of this project is to examine the effect of cold temperature on laboratory strength and consolidation properties of soft marine clay.. .

As described in the final report, this research demonstrated that concretes with up to 50 percent of the fine aggregates and 100 percent of the coarse aggregates replaced with RAP were suitable for concrete pavement. A statistical experimental design procedure (response surface methodology – RSM) was used to investigate proportioning RAP concrete mixtures to achieve desired performance criteria. Based on the results of the RSM investigation, two concrete mixtures were selected for further evaluation: a high RAP mix with fine and coarse aggregate replacement rates of 50 and 100 percent respectively, and a “high” strength mix with one half of the RAP used in the high RAP mix

As described in the final report, this research demonstrated that concretes with up to 50 percent of the fine aggregates and 100 percent of the coarse aggregates replaced with RAP were suitable for concrete pavement. A statistical experimental design procedure (response surface methodology – RSM) was used to investigate proportioning RAP concrete mixtures to achieve desired performance criteria. Based on the results of the RSM investigation, two concrete mixtures were selected for further evaluation: a high RAP mix with fine and coarse aggregate replacement rates of 50 and 100 percent respectively, and a “high” strength mix with one half of the RAP used in the high RAP mix

The objective of this project is to determine which of three deck configurations may offer the best performance by collecting and synthesizing new data from embedded sensors and by conducting visual assessments of the three bridge decks.. .

The objective of this project is to conduct physical testing of MDT’s new steel pipe pile to concrete pile cap connection design method.. .

The purpose of this project was to design and manufacture a removable seed and sediment trap for the undercarriage of a vehicle, allowing for minimal seed damage when seeds are removed for inspection.. .

The purpose of the National Scan is to examine programs and practices employed by different governmental agencies and contractors that result in effective dust control and/or soil stabilization on unpaved roads. The driving force behind this scan is that road dust and/or the additives used in its control pose a myriad of health, safety, economic, regulatory, and environmental challenges..

The objective of this project is to determine which of three deck configurations may offer the best performance by collecting and synthesizing new data from embedded sensors and by conducting visual assessments of the three bridge decks.. .

The objective of this project is to conduct physical testing of MDT’s new steel pipe pile to concrete pile cap connection design method.. .

The objective of this research project is to synthesize the latest research on warm mix asphalt paving technologies and provide the Montana Department of Transportation with implementation recommendations. .

The objectives of this research are to validate chloride diffusion coefficients of mineral admixture concrete mix designs currently developed by departments of transportation (DOTs) for corrosion mitigation, and to verify the adequacy of existing measures to mitigate corrosion caused by exposure to marine environments and deicing salt applications.

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The objective of this project is to develop a series of new design charts for NAUE geosynthetics used in unpaved roads based on mechanistic-empirical design principles.. .

The objective of this project is to develop and test an environmentally friendly concrete using recycled materials including fly ash and recycled pulverized glass. .

The objective of this was to conduct a comprehensive literature review of the state of the practice pertaining to testing and evaluation of subgrade soils.. .

The objectives of this project were to determine the most cost-effective method to remove existing zinc anodes from a concrete surface, and to develop a protocol to prepare the concrete surface for the new anode.. .

The objectives of this project are to determine the most cost-effective method to remove existing zinc anodes from a concrete surface, and to develop a protocol to prepare the concrete surface for the new anode.. .

The objective of this research is to investigate the long-term effectiveness of Caltrans’ preservation and rehabilitation strategies for concrete bridge decks. Caltrans currently employs high molecular weight methacrylate (HMWM)-based crack sealing and polyester overlay. This research will also explore the value of Portland cement concrete (PCC) and asphalt concrete (AC) overlays on bridge decks, and identify the appropriate treatment time and frequency for these strategies.

The objective of this research is to investigate the long-term effectiveness of Caltrans’ preservation and rehabilitation strategies for concrete bridge decks. Caltrans currently employs high molecular weight methacrylate (HMWM)-based crack sealing and polyester overlay. This research will also explore the value of Portland cement concrete (PCC) and asphalt concrete (AC) overlays on bridge decks, and identify the appropriate treatment time and frequency for these strategies.

This project aims to construct test sections in the field to investigate the relative benefit of various geosynthetics available on the market to an unpaved road.. .

This research is directed at developing a laboratory-based test method to investigate the nature of the aggregate–asphalt bond using different analyticochemistry analysis approaches. The project proposes to identify the mechanisms that contribute to adhesive failure of asphalt mixes, to understand the contribution of material properties (asphalt and aggregate structure) to the adhesive failure of mixes, to understand the contribution of mixture properties, and to develop a test to evaluate the adhesive failure of mixes..

This project aims to construct test sections in the field to investigate the relative benefit of various geosynthetics available on the market to an unpaved road.. .

Develop guidelines for optimal snow and ice removal operations designed specifically for California highway environments.. .

The objective of this project is to facilitate the use of innovative fly ash based concretes produced with pulverized recycled glass as the aggregate in a variety of applications on a green building project in Missoula, Montana. .

Establish specific test protocols to determine parameters pertinent to geosynthetic reinforced pavement design. These testing protocols will be used to establish best practices for conducting cyclic pullout tests such that these protocols can be incorporated into American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) testing standards..

Develop guidelines for optimal snow and ice removal operations designed specifically for California highway environments.. .

Develop an innovative, environmentally friendly and self-repairing coating system for preventing corrosion of galvanized steel.
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Determine the long term durability of and potential economic benefits associated with using 100 percent fly ash in construction applications.. .

To improve transportation maintenance, operations and safety with cold-regions research through the collaboration of academia, industry and government.. .

Corrosion of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures is a major and increasing problem worldwide. Possibly half of the US’s 500,000 bridges require immediate attention and the total repair bill is estimated at $90 billion (Dunker and Rabbat, 1993).  The remediation of concrete bridges in the US, undertaken as a direct result of chloride-induced corrosion of the reinforcing steel, would cost the US highway departments $5 billion per year (FHWA, 1999).

Caltrans owns and maintains approximately 15,000 bridges with spans over 20 feet, and there are an equal number in the city and county systems.  Caltrans construction (primarily bridge construction) averaged almost $1.3 billion per year over the 1988-1992 period, and the majority of California highway bridges are prestressed or reinforced structures (Hampson and Fischer, 1997).  In both types of structures, the corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete is a significant problem.

The cost of maintenance and rehabilitation required to reserve the structural integrity and overall safety of Caltrans highway structures is phenomenal. Repeated rehabilitation and repair also incur a significant environmental toll, as well as the delays caused by closing roads or bridges.   On the other hand, appropriate design for corrosion protection would generate substantial cost savings for the Department by minimizing the premature rehabilitation or failure of highway bridges and reducing the construction costs.

The research will produce valuable information to be used by the Caltrans Design Engineer and may lead to improvements to the current Caltrans BDS in mitigating chloride-induced corrosion and deterioration.  In addition to the validation of corrosion mitigation design assumptions, the research results will also assist the Department to rapidly evaluate concrete mixes designed with new mineral admixtures, allowing implementation of cost-effective corrosion mitigation strategies while providing safe and reliable structures for the traveling public.

This research could lead to additional research phases as necessary, such as the development and field evaluation of various types of high performance corrosion resistant concretes.  With extended service life and reduced need for costly and difficult repair and rehabilitation of bridge structures, the implementation of better design practices will have immediate positive impact on the California highway system, including cost savings, enhanced traveler safety, reduced traveler delays, and minimized environmental impacts.

To develop empirically based guidelines for the analysis and design of piles driven into intermediate geomaterials.. .

The purpose of this project is to conduct initial development tasks that will create a prioritized, funded research program for the facility, and establish Montana as a national and international leader in cold region rural transportation research. This project provides federal match funding for the development of the Lewistown Airport Cold Region Rural Transportation Research Facility (eventually called TRANSCEND)..

To conduct an experimental evaluation of the engineering properties and characteristics of three different types of base course aggregates.. .

To determine whether the Micro-Deval test can be used to replace the Sulfate Soundness tests to accurately measure the strength of aggregates used in pavement.. .

Identify existing and emerging technologies that could be used to enhance or replace current pavement maintenance approaches used by the Montana Department of Transportation.. .

To explore the effectiveness of using a gyratory compactor to provide an accurate prediction of optimum in-place soil densities.. .

The overall objective of this project is to develop the Highway Infrastructure Design and Maintenance program area at the Western Transportation Institute.. .

The primary objectives of this research are to evaluate heave and thaw-weakening aspects of soils subjected to freezing conditions, and to develop improved correlations for estimating compressibility moduli of subgrade soils typical to Montana and the inter-mountain west.. .

The objective is the statewide assessment of current roadway conditions associated with each field maintenance activity and to formulate a sampling plan for future monitoring statewide.. .

To determine whether it is cost-effective to use TP pavement markings in urban areas within the state of Montana. Specifically, this investigation will provide:· detailed descriptions of TP and other alternative pavement marking materials· cost/benefit analyses for each pavement marking alternativeThis information will indicate to both MDT and Montana contractors whether or not the use of TP in Montana urban areas is cost-effective..

The objective of this project is to investigate the performance of three different types of concrete bridge decks, namely: a conventionally reinforced deck made with standard concrete, designed and constructed following standard practices of MDT’s Bridge Bureau; a deck with reduced reinforcement made with normal concrete, designed following the empirical design approach presented in the AASHTO LRFD Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges and constructed following standard MDT practice; and a conventionally reinforced deck made with high performance concrete (HPC) developed following FHWA guidelines.. .

To investigate the performance of three different types of bridge decks, a conventional design, on empirical design using the LRFD and a high performance concrete design; using embedded instrumentation.. .

To investigate the pullout behavior of several geosynthetic materials embedded in soils to provide interaction properties for a finite element model. The finite element modeling, which is not part of this project, is based on a large-scale simulation of a geosynthetic reinforced pavement structure..

To provide improved testing procedures for determining geosynthetic material properties and geosynthetic/soil interaction.. .

Develop and distribute management tools to assist in prioritizing rural culvert crossing repair or replacement. Incorporate emerging technologies, state of the art computational tools and contemporary design guidelines..

The objective of this project was to develop a numerical model (finite element model) of a geosynthetic reinforced flexible pavement where the geosynthetic is located in the base aggregate.. .

To provide a design methodology for use by pavement engineers for the design of flexible pavements using suitable geosynthetics as a reinforcement member contained in the base course layer.. .

The objective of this research study is to determine the most economical and effective materials and methods for sealing cracks in flexible pavements in the state of Montana. This investigation involves the placement of experimental test sections as part of larger crack sealing projects, followed by visual monitoring. Several sealant materials and several sealing techniques have been included in this investigation.

To determine if stripped asphalt concrete possesses sufficient strength so as to allow its inclusion as a structural layer in a rehabilitated pavement.. .