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

  • High performance excavators from LiuGong
    February 8, 2013
    LiuGong is following up its introduction of its first E series excavator, the 922E, with a whole new range. The top-of-the-line model is the its 945E, which competes in the 45tonne class, features a 2.2m3 bucket and is powered by a Cummins diesel delivering 298kW. Also due are the 30tonne class 930E and 25tonne class 925E, which share similar features. The E-Series excavators are offered with the LiuGong Intelligent Power Control System (IPC), which provides more accurate matching and control over engine sp
  • More than 600 construction equipment items at UK auction
    February 8, 2013
    Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers is selling more than 600 construction equipment items, tractors and trucks at an unreserved auction being held in Donington Park, central England tomorrow. Among the auction highlights will be 10 wheeled loaders (including Caterpillar 988G and 966G), 26 hydraulic excavators, 47 mini excavators, 51 telescopic forklifts, 37 compactors and six rock trucks (Caterpillar 777D & 777E). The Canadian firm’s auction site, which is situated right next to the Donington Park racing track, was d
  • Sateco launches lift shaft podium
    January 6, 2017
    Sateco says its new lift shaft podium (PCA) makes it possible to block and secure access to lift shafts during building work. It also maximises secure work and material storage space during the time it takes to build up concrete shells. Due to its adjustable telescopic feet and the dimension markings every 10cm along its adjustment pipes, it can be perfectly adjusted between heights of 2.7m and 4m. Its wooden working platform can also be extended using sliding cross-pieces that require neither screws nor na
  • Sateco launches lift shaft podium
    April 12, 2012
    Sateco says its new lift shaft podium (PCA) makes it possible to block and secure access to lift shafts during building work. It also maximises secure work and material storage space during the time it takes to build up concrete shells. Due to its adjustable telescopic feet and the dimension markings every 10cm along its adjustment pipes, it can be perfectly adjusted between heights of 2.7m and 4m. Its wooden working platform can also be extended using sliding cross-pieces that require neither screws nor na