ABSTRACT:
This document summarizes the discussion and findings of the 4th workshop held on October 27–28, 2015 in Frankfort, Kentucky as part of the Technology Transfer Intelligent Compaction Consortium (TTICC) Transportation Pooled Fund (TPF-5(233)) study.
The TTICC project is led by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and partnered by the following state DOTs: California, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
The workshop was hosted by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and was organized by the Center for Earthworks Engineering Research (CEER) at Iowa State University of Science and Technology.
The objective of the workshop was to generate a focused discussion to identify the research, education, and implementation goals necessary for advancing intelligent compaction for earthworks and asphalt.
The workshop consisted of a review of the TTICC goals, state DOT briefings on intelligent compaction implementation activities in their state, voting and brainstorming sessions on intelligent compaction road map research and implementation needs, and identification of action items for TTICC, industry, and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on each of the road map elements to help accelerate implementation of the technology.
Twenty-three attendees representing the state DOTs participating in this pooled fund study, the FHWA, Iowa State University, University of Kentucky, and industry participated in this workshop.
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER INTELLIGENT COMPACTION CONSORTIUM (TTICC)
Increasingly, state departments of transportation (DOTs) are challenged to design and build longer life pavements and infrastructure that result in a higher level of user satisfaction for the public. One of the strategies for achieving longer life pavements is to use innovative technologies and practices. In order to foster new technologies and practices, experts from state DOTs, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), academia, and industry must collaborate to identify and examine new and emerging technologies and systems.
The goals of the TTICC are as follows:
- Identify needed research projects
- Develop pooled fund initiatives
- Plan and conduct an annual workshop on intelligent compaction for soils and asphalt
- Provide a forum for technology exchange between participants
- Develop and fund technology transfer materials
- Provide on-going communication of research needs faced by state agencies to the FHWA, states, industry, and the CEER.
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES AND AGENDA
The following were the key objectives of this workshop:
- Review and exchange experiences of state DOTs in implementing IC for earthwork and HMA.
- Review the existing IC specifications.
- Facilitate a collaborative exchange of information between state DOTs, the FHWA, and industry to accelerate effective implementation of IC technologies.
- Update the IC roadmap for identifying key research/implementation/education needs, and action items for the TTICC group, the FHWA, and industry.
TTICC UPDATE BY CEER
A presentation was made summarizing background information on IC for soils and HMA and the TTICC efforts. Presentation slides are provided. A log of discussion points during the presentation are as follows:
It would be good to know how tire influence depth compares with roller influence depth.
STATE DOT BRIEFINGS FOR IC PROJECTS AND IMPLEMENTATION
The following is a log of state DOT briefings for IC projects and implementation during the day one sessions.
- Georgia DOT
- Missouri DOT (Bill Stone)
- Missouri DOT (Kevin McClain)
- Ohio DOT
- Iowa DOT
- Pennsylvania DOT
- Comment from the FHWA
- KYTC
- Virginia DOT
- FHWA
GENERAL DISCUSSION AND UPDATED IC IMPLEMENTATION ROAD MAP AND ACTION ITEMS FOR TTICC, FHWA, AND INDUSTRY
The TTICC group voted on the IC technology research/implementation needs identified in the 3rd work-shop report. Each group member was given seven votes. The prioritized list of IC technology research/implementation needs is presented .It presents the change in the ratings of different road-map elements since 2008, highlighting the transitions of top-rated elements.
The intelligent compaction specifications and in situ correlations road map elements have remained in the top two between 2009 and 2011. The data management road map element was rated as the top one since 2012, including this year.
The data management element was discussed further by the team and the following were identified as key elements that IC data analytics software should include:
- Link to user need (inspector, contractor, or engineer). This will define the type and level of analysis tools.
- Provide guidance on how to set scales—relate to target values based on on-site calibration. Three color scale (Good, Marginal, Bad).
- Built-in calibration data analysis capability including proper statistical analysis.
- Link results to ArcGIS collector (mobile device) or something simpler to be able to collect and enter data in an easy way.
- Conduct project scale as well as lot scale analysis. Current IR scanner uses 150 ft for lot scale analysis.
- Link to Soil ID through asset management data.
- Link to design, and QC/QA data.
- Show “area of interest” based on the IC measurement values. The area should of high statistical significance for additional work. Also, provide guidance on action plan (rework or additional compaction or dry, etc.).
- Random sampling for QA—need a test point locator that can provide a truly random sample and provide needed documentation.
- Incorporate ability to determine lot boundaries on the “fly” so the QA test locations are truly random.
- Incorporate ability to calculate real-time unit quantities.
SUMMARY OF KEY OUTCOMES
Some of the key outcomes from this workshop were as follows:
- Served as a forum for discussion between state DOTs, the FHWA, and industry representatives in addressing the challenges in implementing the IC technology.
- Updated and prioritized the IC technology research, implementation, and educational needs road map.
- Developed list of action items for the TTICC group, the FHWA, and industry to advance and accelerate implementation of IC technology into earthwork and asphalt construction practice.
- Developed a preliminary IC workflow process that links design, construction, and testing phases.
Source: Iowa State University
Authors: David J. White | Pavana Vennapusa