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Infrastructure Longevity and Sustainability
The Infrastructure Longevity and Sustainability program area at WTI pursues research to improve the design, construction, and maintenance of rural highway infrastructure, with a focus on physical longevity and environmental sustainability.
Our unique expertise centers on addressing challenges faced by transportation agencies responsible for operating road networks in a rural environment:
- Designing and maintaining low-volume roads, including paving options, dust control, and condition monitoring
- Identifying cost-effective and durable structural materials, including newer alternatives such as recycled and geosynthetic options
- Managing roadside environmentsthat affect structural integrity, including slope stability, erosion control, and vegetation management.
The Challenge
In recent reports, the nation’s aging transportation infrastructure has received poor ratings due to increasing demands and limited resources for maintenance and expansion. The issue is often magnified in rural areas, where limited routes and budgets require tough decisions to be made on road and bridge maintenance and surfacing. To address this challenge, we utilize the knowledge of the past and innovative solutions to find solutions to maintenance, preservation, and new construction needs.
What We Do
With our in-house research staff and affiliated faculty, our program features a diverse combination of expertise in civil, mechanical, and industrial engineering, materials science and engineering, environmental science, road ecology, data analysis and modeling, and related field. We offer inter-disciplinary teams that serve complex user needs.
Our end goal is to provide tools and resources that facilitate the daily operations, management and planning responsibilities of transportation practitioners. Examples of recent projects include:
- Developing an App to document, rate, and track unstable slope conditions in public lands
- As the state of the practice of on unpaving and development of guide for unpaving
- Formulating a non-proprietary, affordable version of ultra-high performance concrete using locally-sourced materials for the Montana Department of Transportation.
- Identifying best practices that facilitate identification, inspection and maintenance of culverts and other underground drainage infrastructure assets, including recommendations for implementation of a Culvert Asset Management System (CAMS).
Our Research Partners
As a pioneer in the field of rural transportation solutions, WTI has been at the forefront of developing specialized research partnerships to meet rural infrastructure needs.
- WTI spearheaded the creation of the Road Dust Institute, which expanded into the Unpaved Roads Institute, in partnership with the University of Alaska, Fairbanks; the University of California, Davis; and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
- WTI plays a leadership role in the National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board (TRB) Committee on Low Volume Roads and was recently selected to host the TRBÂ International Conference on Low Volume Roadsin Montana in 2019.
We also work closely with many other prominent research partners, including:
- National Center for Rural Road Safety
- Center for Sustainable Transportation in Cold Climates (University of Alaska, Fairbanks)
- USDOT, National Cooperative Highway Research Programs
- World Bank
- National Academy of Sciences, Transportation Research Board
- American Public Works Association
- International Erosion Control Association
- Montana Local Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP)
Contact usto find out how to put this multi-disciplinary group to work for you and fast-track your needs for problem-driven, solution-oriented research.
Show Only Projects Pertaining To…
14 Projects
Innovative Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Structures for Wildlife Crossings
Started April, 2020
The overall objectives of this research project are to identify cost sensitive and environmentally friendly FRP materials and use them in the design of the continent’s first FRP wildlife crossing.. .
See Full Project »Development of Deterioration Curves for Bridge Elements in Montana
Started March, 2020
The overall objective of the research is to develop deterioration curves for bridge elements in Montana. .
See Full Project »Concrete-Filled Steel Tube to Concrete Pile Cap Connections – Further Evaluation/Improvement of Analysis/Design Methodologies
Started July, 2018
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.. .
See Full Project »A Guide to Successfully Convert Severely Distressed Paved Roads to Unpaved Roads
Started July, 2018
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.. .
See Full Project »Alkali-Silica Reactivity in the State of Montana
Started April, 2018
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.. .
See Full Project »Feasibility of Non-Proprietary Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) for use in Highway Bridges in Montana: Phase II Field Application
Started March, 2018
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..
See Full Project »Large-Scale Laboratory Testing of Geosynthetics in Roadway Applications
Started February, 2018
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.. .
See Full Project »Performance of Asphalt Concrete Crack Sealants in South Dakota
Started November, 2016
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.. .
See Full Project »Biaxial Response of Polymeric Structural Membranes
Started August, 2016
The objective of this project is to use a load frame for biaxial loading to examine the biaxial response of an array of geosynthetics.. .
See Full Project »Unstable Slope Management Program for Federal Land Management Agencies, Phase 2
Started October, 2015
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.. .
See Full Project »Mitigation of Expansive Soils in South Dakota
Started April, 2015
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.. .
See Full Project »Development of Unstable Slope Management Program for Federal Land Management Agencies, Phase 2
Started September, 2014
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.. .
See Full Project »Evaluation of Reinforcement Strain Growth During Traffic Loading – UTC
Started May, 2004
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..
See Full Project »Development of Design Methods for Geosynthetic Reinforced Flexible Pavements
Started September, 2001
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.. .
See Full Project »14 Projects
Show Only Projects Pertaining To…
82 Projects
Highway Anti-Icing Products and Applications
Started December, 2016
The objective of this project is to investigate road friction after deicing during winter storms.. .
See Full Project »Quantifying Salt Concentration On Pavement, Phase 2
Started April, 2016
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.. .
See Full Project »Culvert Asset Management System Best Practices/Pilot Project
Started March, 2016
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.
See Full Project »Feasibility of Non-Proprietary Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) for use in Highway Bridges in Montana
Started April, 2015
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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Survey of Micropile Use in Neighboring Western States
Started April, 2015
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
See Full Project »Development of a 3/4-inch Minus Base Course Type A Specification for Montana
Started December, 2014
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.
Converting Paved Roads to Unpaved
Started November, 2014
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.
See Full Project »Investigation of Prefabricated Steel-Truss Bridge Deck Systems
Started September, 2014
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
Deep Patch Field Instrumentation
Started August, 2014
The objective of this project is to monitor a newly constructed deep patch installation to better understand its long-term behavior and performance. .
See Full Project »Validation and Implementation of AKDOT & PF’s Geosynthetic Specifications
Started June, 2014
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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See Full Project »Evaluation of Plus Grades of Performance Grade (PC) Asphalt Binder
Started January, 2014
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
See Full Project »Impacts of Increasing Maximum Weights of Specialized Hauling Vehicles (SHVs)
Started November, 2013
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.. .
See Full Project »Validation of Polyester Concrete Rehabilitation Strategy to Extend the Life of Concrete Bridge Decks
Started July, 2013
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.. .
See Full Project »Evaluation of Pervious Concrete Mixes in Areas Subject to Snow Plow Operations and Abrasive and Salt Applications
Started December, 2012
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.. .
See Full Project »Feasibility of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement as Aggregate in Portland Cement Concrete Pavements, Phase II
Started September, 2012
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
See Full Project »Deep Patch Repair, Phase 2
Started September, 2012
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.. .
See Full Project »Evaluating Fire Damaged Components of Historic Covered Bridges, Post-Fire Assessment Guidelines and Techniques
Started August, 2012
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.. .
See Full Project »Relative Operational Performance of Geosynthetics Used as Subgrade Stabilization
Started December, 2011
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
See Full Project »Geosynthetic Biaxial Testing Machine Design and Protocol Development
Started November, 2011
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. .
See Full Project »Determination of Material Properties and Deflection Behaviors for Contemporary Prestressed Beam Design – UTC
Started September, 2011
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.. .
See Full Project »Determination of Material Properties and Deflection Behavior for Contemporary Prestressed Beam Design
Started September, 2011
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.. .
See Full Project »Road Dust Institute Development and Website
Started July, 2011
The goal of this project is to develop a Road Dust Institute and create a website for storing and disseminating research.. .
See Full Project »Geosynthetic Design and Specification Review and Update
Started June, 2011
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..
Testing and Evaluation of Recovered Traction Sanding Material
Started April, 2011
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
Evaluation of a New Arch Bridge Technology for Short Spans
Started March, 2011
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.. .
See Full Project »Corrosion Monitoring System for Existing Reinforced Concrete Structures – UTC
Started January, 2011
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
See Full Project »Cost-Effective and Sustainable Road Slope Stabilization and Erosion Control
Started December, 2010
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..
See Full Project »Establishment of the Road Dust Institute and Website – UTC
Started November, 2010
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. .
See Full Project »Evaluation of Deep Patch Landslide Mitigation Design Methodology
Started September, 2010
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
ARRA: Sorbent Modified Fly Ash as Sole Binder for Structural Concrete Mixtures
Started July, 2010
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.. .
See Full Project »Sorbent Modified Fly Ash as Sole Binder for Structural Concrete Mixtures
Started July, 2010
Effect of Cold Temperature on Shear Strength and Consolidation Properties of Deep Water Soft Marine Clays
Started May, 2010
The objective of this project is to examine the effect of cold temperature on laboratory strength and consolidation properties of soft marine clay.. .
See Full Project »Feasilbity of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement as Aggregate in Portland Cement Concrete Pavements – UTC
Started January, 2010
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
See Full Project »Feasilbity of Reclaimed Ashphalt Pavement as Aggregate in Portland Cement Concrete Pavements
Started January, 2010
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
See Full Project »Interim Evaluation of Three Instrumented Bridges in Saco, MT – UTC
Started August, 2009
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.. .
See Full Project »Steel Cap Pile/Concrete Cap Pile Bridge Support Systems: Confirmation of Connection Performance – UTC
Started August, 2009
The objective of this project is to conduct physical testing of MDT’s new steel pipe pile to concrete pile cap connection design method.. .
See Full Project »Designing and Manufacturing a Removable Seed and Sediment Trap for the Undercarriage of Vehicles
Started August, 2009
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.. .
See Full Project »National Scan of Best Practices for Road Dust Control and Soil Stabilization
Started August, 2009
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..
See Full Project »Interim Evaluation of Three Instrumental Bridges in Saco, MT
Started August, 2009
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.. .
See Full Project »Steel Pile Cap/Concrete Pile Cap Bridge Support Systems
Started August, 2009
The objective of this project is to conduct physical testing of MDT’s new steel pipe pile to concrete pile cap connection design method.. .
See Full Project »Synthesis of Warm Mix Asphalt Paving Strategies for use in Montana Highway Construction
Started July, 2009
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. .
See Full Project »Validating the Durability of Corrosion Resistant Mineral Admixture Concrete – UTC
Started May, 2009
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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See Full Project »Development of Design Charts for Unpaved Roads using NAUE Geosynthetics, Phase 1
Started May, 2009
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.. .
See Full Project »Building Green: Development and Evaluation of the Design Properties of and Environmentally Friendly Concrete
Started April, 2009
The objective of this project is to develop and test an environmentally friendly concrete using recycled materials including fly ash and recycled pulverized glass. .
See Full Project »Measurement and Evaluation of Subgrade Soil Parameters, Phase 1 – Synthesis of Literature
Started November, 2008
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.. .
See Full Project »Replacing Thermal Sprayed Zinc Anodes on Cathodically Protected Steel Reinforced Concrete Bridges – UTC
Started October, 2008
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.. .
See Full Project »Replacing Thermal Sprayed Zinc Anodes on Cathodically Protected Steel Reinforced Bridges – UTC
Started August, 2008
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.. .
See Full Project »Validation of Rehab Strategies to Extent the Service Life of Concrete Bridge Decks – UTC
Started August, 2008
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.
See Full Project »Validation of Rehab Strategies of Extend the Service Life of Concrete Bridge Decks
Started July, 2008
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.
See Full Project »Production of 100 Percent Fly Ash Concrete by Mobile Mixer
Started April, 2008
Geosynthetic Stabilization of Weak Subgrade
Started March, 2008
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.. .
See Full Project »Field Investigation of Geosynthetics Used for Subgrade Stabilization
Started February, 2008
The Nature Aggregate-Asphalt Bond: A Lab Study
Started February, 2008
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..
See Full Project »Field Investigation of Geosynthetics Used for Subgrade Stabilization
Started February, 2008
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.. .
See Full Project »Establishing Best Practices: Snow/Ice Removal in California
Started January, 2008
Develop guidelines for optimal snow and ice removal operations designed specifically for California highway environments.. .
See Full Project »Use of Fly Ash Concrete with Recycled Glass Aggregate in Commercial Construction
Started September, 2007
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. .
See Full Project »Developing a Standard Test Method for Measuring Geosynthetic-Soild Resilient Interface Shear – UTC
Started June, 2007
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..
See Full Project »Geosynthetic Materials Lab, Phase II – UTC
Started April, 2007
Best Practices for Removing Snow and Ice from California Roadways – UTC
Started February, 2007
Develop guidelines for optimal snow and ice removal operations designed specifically for California highway environments.. .
See Full Project »Innovative Coating System for the Corrosion Prevention of Galvanized Steel – UTC
Started January, 2007
Develop an innovative, environmentally friendly and self-repairing coating system for preventing corrosion of galvanized steel.
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Evaluation of 100 Percent Fly Ash Concrete
Started November, 2006
Determine the long term durability of and potential economic benefits associated with using 100 percent fly ash in construction applications.. .
See Full Project »Development of a Cold Region Rural Transportation Test Bed in Lewistown, Montana
Started September, 2006
To improve transportation maintenance, operations and safety with cold-regions research through the collaboration of academia, industry and government.. .
See Full Project »Validating the Durability of Corrosion Resistant Mineral Admixture Concrete (04-GS108)
Started June, 2006
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.
See Full Project »Axial Capacity of Piles Supported on Intermediate Geomaterials: An MPART Project
Started March, 2006
To develop empirically based guidelines for the analysis and design of piles driven into intermediate geomaterials.. .
See Full Project »Cold-Region & Rural Transportation Research, Maintenance & Operations Test-Bed: Project Development Task
Started December, 2005
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)..
See Full Project »Experimental Assessment of Aggregate Surfacing Materials (an MPART project)
Started October, 2005
To conduct an experimental evaluation of the engineering properties and characteristics of three different types of base course aggregates.. .
See Full Project »Comparative Analysis of Course Surfacing Aggregate Using the Micro-Deval
Started September, 2005
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.. .
See Full Project »Preventive Maintenance Treatments: A Synthesis of Highway Practice
Started May, 2005
Identify existing and emerging technologies that could be used to enhance or replace current pavement maintenance approaches used by the Montana Department of Transportation.. .
See Full Project »Feasibility of Using a Gyratory Compactor to Determine Compaction Characteristics of Base Course Aggregates
Started January, 2005
To explore the effectiveness of using a gyratory compactor to provide an accurate prediction of optimum in-place soil densities.. .
See Full Project »Investigating Innovative Research Opportunities Related to Highway Infrastructure Design and Maintenance
Started February, 2004
The overall objective of this project is to develop the Highway Infrastructure Design and Maintenance program area at the Western Transportation Institute.. .
See Full Project »Compressibility and Heave Characterisitics of Subgrade Soils Exposed to Freeze/Thaw Conditions
Started October, 2002
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.. .
See Full Project »Statewide Sampling Protocol and Management Strategy for Assessing Field Maintenance Ativities
Started June, 2002
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.. .
See Full Project »Life-Cycle Costing of Thermo-Plastic Pavement Markings
Started April, 2002
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..
See Full Project »Field Evaluation of the Performance of Three Concrete Bridge Decks on Montana Route 243 – UTC
Started February, 2002
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.. .
See Full Project »Field Evaluation of the Performance of Three Concrete Bridge Decks on Montana Route 243
Started February, 2002
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.. .
See Full Project »Geosynthetic Pullout Behavior under Small Displacements
Started July, 2001
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..
See Full Project »Development of Test Protocols for Characterization of Soil/Geosynthetic Interaction and Intrinsic…
Started January, 2000
To provide improved testing procedures for determining geosynthetic material properties and geosynthetic/soil interaction.. .
See Full Project »Rating System for Rural Culvert Crossing Repair and Maintenance
Started October, 1999
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..
See Full Project »Numerical Modeling and Design Development of Geosynthetic Reinforced Flexible Pavements
Started October, 1998
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.. .
See Full Project »Geosynthetic Reinforcement of the Base Course Layer of Flexible Pavements
Started October, 1998
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.. .
See Full Project »Crack Sealing Cost Effectiveness Project
Started October, 1995
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.
See Full Project »Methods of Remediation Stripped Asphalt
Started January, 1995
To determine if stripped asphalt concrete possesses sufficient strength so as to allow its inclusion as a structural layer in a rehabilitated pavement.. .
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