Skip to main content

Help for US agencies’ to use new tool to boost concrete pavement quality

In a bid to reduce costs, increase pavement quality, and minimise travel delays caused by road construction, the US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and the Transportation Research Board (TRB) are to help agencies implement a tool that allows contractors to identify concrete pavement surface irregularities during construction. Real-time pavement smoothness has been selected for guided implementation under the second Stra
April 23, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
In a bid to reduce costs, increase pavement quality, and minimise travel delays caused by road construction, the US 2410 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the 3510 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and the 2774 Transportation Research Board (TRB) are to help agencies implement a tool that allows contractors to identify concrete pavement surface irregularities during construction.

Real-time pavement smoothness has been selected for guided implementation under the second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2). In May 2014, SHRP2 will begin accepting applications from state departments of transportation (DOTs) who wish to use real-time concrete pavement smoothness to speed up construction and increase quality on their projects.

SHRP2 is an initiative committed to delivering solutions that address growing congestion and aging infrastructure while increasing roadway and construction safety. During typical construction, contractors must wait for concrete pavement to gain adequate strength before evaluating smoothness, which can result in costly penalties and corrective grinding to meet requirements. By monitoring the smoothness of freshly placed concrete, contractors can make timely adjustments to improve operations, increase quality control, and deliver pavements faster.

Two devices measuring real-time pavement smoothness will be available for implementation assistance—the 218 Gomaco Smoothness Indicator (GMI) and the Ames Engineering Real Time Profiler (RTP). These products were selected for implementation after research and evaluation performed by pavement engineering firm The 5943 Transtec Group under SHRP2.

Principal Investigators Dr Robert O. Rasmussen, Steven M. Karamihas and Gary J. Fick evaluated the devices for practicality and accuracy during pavement projects in Georgia, Texas, Arkansas, Michigan, and New York. You can access the full results of this study—including guidelines for implementation—at TRB online.

State DOTs can apply to participate in the SHRP2 effort to familiarise agencies and associated contractors with the selected real-time pavement smoothness devices. The program aims to provide participating agencies with approximately $60,000 worth of equipment rental, training, and technical support.

Agencies interested in participating must apply online during the application period extending from 30 May – 27 June 2014. To learn more, %$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 oLinkExternal click here http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/goshrp2/ImplementationAssistance false http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/goshrp2/ImplementationAssistance false false%>

Related Content

  • Underground excavators are offered by Hidromek
    February 6, 2013
    A special version of Hidromek’s HMK220LC excavator is now available for use in underground applications. This machine features additional reinforcement and protection to ensure its longevity in the tough underground application, as well as providing extra safety measures for the operator. The same Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emission certified engine and hydraulics components are used as in the standard machines, although additional after-treatment systems are available to meet underground working requirement
  • Cat launches 336E H hybrid excavator at bauma
    January 6, 2017
    Described as a “game-changer” by Gary Stampanato, vice president of Caterpillar’s excavation division, the Cat 336E H hybrid excavator will be officially launched at the bauma show. Using new hydraulic technology developed by Cat, the hybrid machine is said to deliver uncompromised performance, durability and reliability. Cat claims the 336E H delivers industry-leading productivity, with up to 50% greater fuel efficiency over the 336D. It is also said to use up 25% less fuel than a standard 336E, and up to
  • Cat launches 336E H hybrid excavator at bauma
    April 9, 2013
    Described as a “game-changer” by Gary Stampanato, vice president of Caterpillar’s excavation division, the Cat 336E H hybrid excavator will be officially launched at the bauma show. Using new hydraulic technology developed by Cat, the hybrid machine is said to deliver uncompromised performance, durability and reliability. Cat claims the 336E H delivers industry-leading productivity, with up to 50% greater fuel efficiency over the 336D. It is also said to use up 25% less fuel than a standard 336E, and up to
  • Topcon develops advanced software tool
    January 6, 2017
    Topcon Europe Positioning is offering upgrades to its MAGNET software products, which have benefited from the firm’s recent tie-up with Autodesk. The MAGNET Enterprise package is a cloud service that connects the firm’s Field and Office products and provides a web-based interface to company data and new versions of MAGNET Field and MAGNET Office are available.