Current Research
Collection of Materials and Performance Data for Texas Flexible Pavement and Overlays
This interagency contract (IAC) is an extension of TxDOT Research Project 0-6658: Collection of Materials and Performance Data for Texas Flexible Pavements and Overlays . The main goal of this project is to collect extensive, pavement material properties and performance data for over 100 test sections located throughout Texas. This IAC is currently being performed in collaboration with Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI), with UTEP managing 33-test sections spread out across West Texas. Test sections were identified under the research phase, with projects consisting of new construction, overlays, rehabilitation and seal coats. Since initial construction, placed materials (hot mix asphalt, binder, base, subbase and subgrade) were collected to undergo extensive laboratory testing and material characterization. Over the past seven years, these sections have been closely monitored for field performance and distress progression under in-service traffic conditions. Collected laboratory, field and performance data, traffic, and section details have been compiled and stored in a Data Storage System (DSS).
The central purpose of assembling the DSS is to leverage the comprehensive data towards calibrating and validating mechanistic-empirical (M-E) design models. Such models include Flexible Pavement Design System (FPS), Texas M-E, Texas Overlay design system, and the MEPDG. In addition, the DSS will serve as a diagnostic tool for TxDOT engineers to assess performance of flexible pavement variants. This IAC will continue to supplement the DSS with continued collection of performance data on each test section, semi-annually. Changes in pavement material properties will be monitored; broad level statistics will be presented to assess flexible pavement performance.