Matias M. Mendez Larrain, PhD, PE

One of the most common methods to measure possible expansion of soil expansions is to perform one-dimensional swell test on undisturbed samples. Performing such tests, however, can be time-consuming and expensive for many projects. To address this issue, several studies have proposed different empirical models to predict the swelling potential of different types of soils. These models are based on basic soil properties and may be used to identify problematic expansive soils inexpensively. In… Show more

One of the most common methods to measure possible expansion of soil expansions is to perform one-dimensional swell test on undisturbed samples. Performing such tests, however, can be time-consuming and expensive for many projects. To address this issue, several studies have proposed different empirical models to predict the swelling potential of different types of soils. These models are based on basic soil properties and may be used to identify problematic expansive soils inexpensively. In the present study, nine predictive models were evaluated to demonstrate their efficacy in establishing correlations between the predicted and measured swell values of soils from multiple sites in Oklahoma. Differences between the measured and predicted values varied among the selected models indicating a need for further developments on this topic to combat swelling-induced damages of foundations, pavements, and other structures. The findings of this study are presented in this paper. Show less

Pavement deterioration models provide the basis for predicting future changes in network conditions, estimating future funding needs, and determining the effectiveness and timing of maintenance and rehabilitation activities. Determining the accurate structural condition of pavements helps identify effective maintenance strategies which enhance the sustainability and service life of pavements. This study aimed to use the Traffic Speed Deflectometer (TSD) and Fast Falling Weight Deflectometer… Show more

Pavement deterioration models provide the basis for predicting future changes in network conditions, estimating future funding needs, and determining the effectiveness and timing of maintenance and rehabilitation activities. Determining the accurate structural condition of pavements helps identify effective maintenance strategies which enhance the sustainability and service life of pavements. This study aimed to use the Traffic Speed Deflectometer (TSD) and Fast Falling Weight Deflectometer (FFWD) for project-level evaluation of pavements and use pavement properties to calibrate current models that help to predict the structural condition of pavements. Model parameters were calibrated to determine the effective structural number and tensile strains at the bottom of asphalt concrete for asphalt and composite pavements from TSD deflections. Tensile strains from the KENLAYER highlighted varied behaviors for composite pavements. A significant improvement in the calibration was observed for asphalt concrete pavements. While the TSD has higher daily operational costs than FWD, its per-mile cost is significantly lower, making it a viable choice for extensive coverage, even though the quantitative results might differ between the two devices.
Keywords: traffic speed deflectometer; falling weight deflectometer; effective structural number; pavement management systems Show less

Rut and longitudinal edge depressions are some of the major problems in asphalt pavements near the intersection of I-35 and SH-7 in Oklahoma. Severe rut and longitudinal joint depressions were observed on SH-7. The purpose of this study was to perform a subsurface investigation using the traffic speed deflection device (TSDD), ground penetrating radar (GPR), and fast falling weight deflectometer (FFWD) tests, as well as laboratory performance tests on asphalt cores. The GPR showed an increase… Show more

Rut and longitudinal edge depressions are some of the major problems in asphalt pavements near the intersection of I-35 and SH-7 in Oklahoma. Severe rut and longitudinal joint depressions were observed on SH-7. The purpose of this study was to perform a subsurface investigation using the traffic speed deflection device (TSDD), ground penetrating radar (GPR), and fast falling weight deflectometer (FFWD) tests, as well as laboratory performance tests on asphalt cores. The GPR showed an increase in moisture over the longitudinal joint. Low moduli were observed on the east-bound inside lane, where major depressions and ruts were observed. The Hamburg wheel tracking device (HWTD) tests showed excessive rut in the east-bound and west-bound lanes of SH-7 indicating potential for rut failure. Significantly high rut and roughness were observed on the east-bound inside lane of SH-7 from the TSDD measurements. Show less

Currently most geotechnical engineers rely on using the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) data to estimate bearing capacity of soil for designing structural foundations. Also, several correlations are used to estimate Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) and undrained shear strength of soil from SPT data. There are inherent weaknesses in these models and there is a need to develop improved correlations or models. Recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based models provide an… Show more

Currently most geotechnical engineers rely on using the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) data to estimate bearing capacity of soil for designing structural foundations. Also, several correlations are used to estimate Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) and undrained shear strength of soil from SPT data. There are inherent weaknesses in these models and there is a need to develop improved correlations or models. Recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based models provide an excellent framework for developing such correlations or models. In the present study both regression and AI-based models were developed for UCS of clays using field and laboratory data. Specifically, fine content (passing #200 sieve), water content, Atterberg limits and N- values were used in developing these models using years of data (108 samples) from geotechnical exploration projects in Oklahoma. A linear regression model and a Random Forest (RF) model were compared by Mean Absolute Error (MAE), R-squared (R2) and Root Mean Square Errors (RMSE) for any associated combination of the studied parameters. Random forest model showed very good results for training sets compared to linear regression model and the models selected from the literature review. A linear regression equation is proposed for prediction of UCS from SPT N values, moisture content and fine content. A strong correlation between SPT and UCS was observed with liquid limit being the parameter with least influence in the models. Good validation set results were observed for the RF model and the proposed linear regression model.





Keywords: Unconfined Compressive Strength, Soil Testing, Random Forest, Linear Regression
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In this study, probable causes of fatigue cracking were investigated using field and laboratory testing and In this study, probable causes of fatigue cracking were investigated using field ang laboratory testing and AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design (PMED) simulations. Field tests including Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD), and Dynamic Cone Penetration (DCP) were performed on a flexible pavement section of US 412 located in Noble County, Oklahoma. Also, asphalt… Show more

In this study, probable causes of fatigue cracking were investigated using field and laboratory testing and In this study, probable causes of fatigue cracking were investigated using field ang laboratory testing and AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design (PMED) simulations. Field tests including Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD), and Dynamic Cone Penetration (DCP) were performed on a flexible pavement section of US 412 located in Noble County, Oklahoma. Also, asphalt cores and soil samples were collected for laboratory testing. The GPR test results revealed significant delamination in the asphalt layer. Also, the GPR images indicated that the disturbance zone was confined within the asphalt layer and cracks were generated from surface as well as from existing pavement layers below. The DCP and FWD test results indicated that the pavement section was not structurally adequate to support traffic and needed rehabilitation in the near future. The moduli of the asphalt layers were found to be quite low, indicating improper compaction during construction. Also, the densities of the top-lifts of the asphalt cores were found to be low. Moreover, the cracking resistance of the extracted asphalt cores was poor based on the Illinois flexibility index test results. Superpave Performance Grade of the extracted binder indicated excessive aging of the binder because of long exposure to the environment. The brittleness of mix resulting from aging was considered a potential contributor to fatigue cracking of the pavement at this site. A parametric study was conducted to understand the variation of fatigue cracking with the changes in input properties in PMED, namely pavement structural components and material properties. Pavement thickness, roadway densities, and layer moduli of existing underlying pavement were found as the most influential factors. The findings of the parametric study supported the findings of the field and laboratory investigation. Show less

Abstract
Distressed pavements are costly due to frequent maintenance, rehabilitation, and destructive testing. Furthermore, distressed pavements can lead to increased vehicle repair costs, safety concerns, and fatalities. The present study uses the splitting tensile and compressive strengths of 140 cast and core specimens to develop theoretical regression models that can better correlate the indirect splitting tensile and compressive strengths at 28 days for high-strength concrete. The… Show more

Abstract
Distressed pavements are costly due to frequent maintenance, rehabilitation, and destructive testing. Furthermore, distressed pavements can lead to increased vehicle repair costs, safety concerns, and fatalities. The present study uses the splitting tensile and compressive strengths of 140 cast and core specimens to develop theoretical regression models that can better correlate the indirect splitting tensile and compressive strengths at 28 days for high-strength concrete. The laboratory experiments that were conducted in this study include splitting tensile and compressive strength tests using a universal testing machine. The reliability of the proposed models was verified by comparing their predictive capabilities with the laboratory tests. Statistical regression software was used to analyze the cast and core strength test results and develop regression models. The root mean square error (RMSE) was used to assess the accuracy between the values predicted by the regression models and laboratory values. Existing regression models reported by researchers and institutions were also analyzed with the RMSE method to determine the most accurate model. Based on the analysis, a positive nonlinear correlation between the splitting tensile strength and the compressive strength of high strength concrete was determined. The proposed regression equation exhibits small errors when compared to the laboratory results, which allow for efficient and accurate predictions of the splitting tensile strength. Show less

Premature cracks are attributed to traffic-induced stresses, weather, and construction deficiencies, resulting in durability cracking, spalling, and popouts. These distresses can cause many problems, such as frequent maintenance, increased vehicle repair costs and safety concerns. Furthermore, poor road conditions can lead to vehicle crashes, which can cost billions of dollars annually and cause fatalities. Efficiently determining the strength of in-place concrete is therefore crucial for… Show more

Premature cracks are attributed to traffic-induced stresses, weather, and construction deficiencies, resulting in durability cracking, spalling, and popouts. These distresses can cause many problems, such as frequent maintenance, increased vehicle repair costs and safety concerns. Furthermore, poor road conditions can lead to vehicle crashes, which can cost billions of dollars annually and cause fatalities. Efficiently determining the strength of in-place concrete is therefore crucial for traffic safety and quality assurance. This study analyzes the fresh field properties (unit weight, air content, slump, and temperature), compressive, and flexural strengths of 1,342 concrete specimens to determine models that correlate the compressive and flexural strengths for normal strength concrete. The root mean square error was used to analyze the accuracy between the values predicted by the models and the laboratory values. Existing models reported by researchers were analyzed using the same method and compared to the proposed models developed in this study. Based on the analysis, a positive nonlinear correlation between the compressive strength and flexural strength of normal strength concrete was determined. The air content was found to be the most significant fresh field property and has a negative correlation with both the compressive and flexural strengths. The proposed regression equations exhibit small errors when compared to the experimental results, which allow for efficient and accurate predictions of the flexural strength. Show less

Warm-mix asphalt (WMA) technologies allow binder softening for compaction benefits. Lower production temperature also causes reduced short-term aging in WMA. Considering the long-term implication of the reduced aging and binder softening, WMA is being questioned about its rutting characteristics. As such, this study evaluates different WMA technologies for rutting characteristics in comparison to traditional hot-mix asphalt (HMA) through laboratory and field investigation. The study utilized… Show more

Warm-mix asphalt (WMA) technologies allow binder softening for compaction benefits. Lower production temperature also causes reduced short-term aging in WMA. Considering the long-term implication of the reduced aging and binder softening, WMA is being questioned about its rutting characteristics. As such, this study evaluates different WMA technologies for rutting characteristics in comparison to traditional hot-mix asphalt (HMA) through laboratory and field investigation. The study utilized the long-term pavement performance (LTPP) project in the state of New Mexico called Specific Pavement Study-10 (SPS-10), which was designed to evaluate the WMA performances. The LTPP SPS-10 section includes: (i) control HMA, (ii) foaming, (iii) Evotherm, (iv) Cecabase 1, and (v) Cecabase 2 mixtures. Cecabase 2 mixture consists of a polymer-modified binder (PG 70-28+), whereas other mixtures consist of PG 70-28 binder. The aggregate type, properties, and gradations are the same in all the sections. Laboratory evaluation of rutting was conducted through the Hamburg wheel tracking test. Long-term field rutting was evaluated through Mandli’s pavement profile scanner, a laser-based distress evaluation technology. The study found that WMA with foaming, Evotherm, or Cecabase shows slightly higher rutting compared with the control HMA; however, all the sections satisfied laboratory and field rutting criteria. The use of a polymer-modified binder in WMA significantly improves the rutting characteristics. Show less

The corresponding study analyzes and predicts the rutting behavior of asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures, using the Hamburg wheel tracking device (HWTD) and the principles of Weibull distribution. Twenty AC mixtures differing on hot mix asphalt/warm mix asphalt (HMA/WMA), gradation, and different types of aggregates and binder performance grades (PGs) were studied at three different test temperatures (40, 50, and 60°C). The failure rate function given by the Weibull equation was used in order to… Show more

The corresponding study analyzes and predicts the rutting behavior of asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures, using the Hamburg wheel tracking device (HWTD) and the principles of Weibull distribution. Twenty AC mixtures differing on hot mix asphalt/warm mix asphalt (HMA/WMA), gradation, and different types of aggregates and binder performance grades (PGs) were studied at three different test temperatures (40, 50, and 60°C). The failure rate function given by the Weibull equation was used in order to model and predict rutting in HWTD test for the different combination of studied parameters in AC mixtures. Shape and scale parameters were defined for each mixture at different test temperatures. Linear regressions were used in order to define shape and scale parameters in function of test temperature for each of the studied mixtures parameter. A generalized Weibull failure rate equation was defined to determine rutting in function of the Weibull parameters and number of wheel passes for the different combinations of type of mixture, gradation, aggregate, and binder PG in AC mixtures. An overall good correlation was observed between the fitted model and the actual HWTD test results. Shape and scale parameters showed relationship with creeping and compaction phase. Show less

In general, asphalt concrete (AC) pavements are constructed with different types of aggregates, gradations, binder types, anti-stripping agents, and technologies. Hot mix asphalts and warm mix asphalts (HMA/WMA) mixtures are compacted at high or low temperatures to reach the specified density. Due to environmental influence and repeated traffic loading, AC pavements decay once they are under traffic stresses. Permanent deformation (rutting) in AC pavements manifests itself as longitudinal… Show more

In general, asphalt concrete (AC) pavements are constructed with different types of aggregates, gradations, binder types, anti-stripping agents, and technologies. Hot mix asphalts and warm mix asphalts (HMA/WMA) mixtures are compacted at high or low temperatures to reach the specified density. Due to environmental influence and repeated traffic loading, AC pavements decay once they are under traffic stresses. Permanent deformation (rutting) in AC pavements manifests itself as longitudinal depression in the wheel paths where traffic fluctuates. The unrecoverable cumulative deformation that occurs in the wheel path under high temperatures as a result of the traffic loading is named permanent deformation or rutting. This study analyses the effect of different parameters (type of mixture, gradation and aggregate, and binder grade) in asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures using the Hamburg wheel tracking device (HWTD) destructive test. Twenty Superpave III (SP III) mixtures with different types of mixtures, gradations, types of aggregates, and types of performance binder grade were collected in New Mexico and tested at three different temperatures (40°C, 50°C, and 60°C). Results showed a significant effect of test temperature in HWTD results. Warm mix asphalts (WMA) mixtures generally showed lower impression depths than hot mix asphalts (HMA) mixtures. Aggregates performed differently under this test with good and bad results. Dacite, sand and gravel, river deposits, limestone, quartzite, limestone, and shale were studied. Similarly, different binder grades showed different behaviors when tested at different temperatures. Show less

Lower production temperature and less aging make warm-mix asphalt (WMA) more prone to rutting. This study assessed rutting characteristics of WMA with chemical additives through laboratory experimentation and non-destructive field evaluation. To facilitate the study, three WMA mixtures and one control hot-mix asphalt (HMA) have been experimented. One of the WMA mixtures contained polymer modified binder. Hamburg wheel tracking (HWT) test has been conducted for laboratory experimentation. A… Show more

Lower production temperature and less aging make warm-mix asphalt (WMA) more prone to rutting. This study assessed rutting characteristics of WMA with chemical additives through laboratory experimentation and non-destructive field evaluation. To facilitate the study, three WMA mixtures and one control hot-mix asphalt (HMA) have been experimented. One of the WMA mixtures contained polymer modified binder. Hamburg wheel tracking (HWT) test has been conducted for laboratory experimentation. A recently developed method of HWT test analysis has been applied. Nondestructive field strength evaluation and automated pavement distress survey tools were utilized for field evaluation. It is found that chemical WMA exhibits equivalent or better rutting behavior compared to a HMA with a same binder and aggregate structure. Incorporation of polymer modifier in chemical WMA additives resulted in improved rutting characteristics and field strength. Show less

DOI: 10.1080/10298436.2017.1380807
In this study, a regression-based predictive model is developed from laboratory test data to determine rutting performance of Superpave asphalt-aggregate mixtures. A Hamburg Wheel Tracking Device was used to measure the rutting performances of the asphalt concrete samples. A total of eighteen (18) asphalt concrete mixtures were tested and used in this study. Laboratory rut data were fitted by Weibull distribution and the Weibull parameters were correlated… Show more

DOI: 10.1080/10298436.2017.1380807
In this study, a regression-based predictive model is developed from laboratory test data to determine rutting performance of Superpave asphalt-aggregate mixtures. A Hamburg Wheel Tracking Device was used to measure the rutting performances of the asphalt concrete samples. A total of eighteen (18) asphalt concrete mixtures were tested and used in this study. Laboratory rut data were fitted by Weibull distribution and the Weibull parameters were correlated to the mix properties, such as, aggregate gradation, binder property, effective specific gravity of the aggregate and mix volumetrics of the asphalt concrete samples. Statistical evaluation showed that a fairly accurate estimation of rut depth can be found by using the regression-based predictive model developed in this study. Show less

Viscoelastic material functions of warm-mix asphalt are not well defined yet for reasons like relatively newer technology in United States and also varies with different technologies. The rutting performances of warm-mix asphalt are also relatively new. This study evaluates the effects of different warm-mix agents on the viscoelastic material functions and rutting performance of asphalt concrete. A control hot-mix asphalt and three warm-mix asphalt mixtures were collected from manufacturing… Show more

Viscoelastic material functions of warm-mix asphalt are not well defined yet for reasons like relatively newer technology in United States and also varies with different technologies. The rutting performances of warm-mix asphalt are also relatively new. This study evaluates the effects of different warm-mix agents on the viscoelastic material functions and rutting performance of asphalt concrete. A control hot-mix asphalt and three warm-mix asphalt mixtures were collected from manufacturing plant with identical aggregate type, size distribution, and binder grade. The loose asphalt-aggregate mixtures are compacted, cored and sawed to cylindrical specimens for dynamic modulus and rutting resistance testing. A numerical method is used to convert complex modulus function to relaxation modulus and creep compliance. In essence, the warm-mix asphalt with water-free chemical agent showed higher stiffness characteristics. However, the warm-mix asphalt with surfactant-based WMA technology is found to be superior in terms of rutting performance, whereas, the warm-mix asphalt with water-free chemical agent is found to be inferior. Show less

This study used a Hamburg wheel-tracking device in hot-mix asphalt–
warm-mix asphalt (HMA-WMA) with different WMA agents to analyze
the rutting behavior of asphalt concrete. Five mixtures were collected
in New Mexico with the same mixture design. Mixtures differed only
in the additive technology. Foaming, chemical, and organic agents were
compared with a WMA mixture with modified polymer and a HMA control
mixture. Application of the Weibull failure rate function to… Show more

This study used a Hamburg wheel-tracking device in hot-mix asphalt–
warm-mix asphalt (HMA-WMA) with different WMA agents to analyze
the rutting behavior of asphalt concrete. Five mixtures were collected
in New Mexico with the same mixture design. Mixtures differed only
in the additive technology. Foaming, chemical, and organic agents were
compared with a WMA mixture with modified polymer and a HMA control
mixture. Application of the Weibull failure rate function to predict
rutting for different WMA agents was developed. Good rutting results
were observed when the organic agent was tested compared with other
WMA agents. The use of a polymer-modified binder in the WMA mixture
with the organic agent significantly decreased rutting. HMA and
WMA with foaming had similar rutting behavior, and the mixture with
the chemical agent experienced a different performance from that of
previous mixtures. Fitted Weibull failure rate function showed good
correlation to HMA-WMA mixtures when rutting depths were low, and
no hint of stripping phase was observed. Show less

In this study, a modeling approach is established to predict the rutting performance of asphalt pavement from the laboratory tested dynamic modulus (|E*|). A total of ten asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures were collected from different manufacturing plants in New Mexico. The loose AC mixtures were compacted and furnished to test specimens for testing |E*| and rutting performance with Hamburg Wheel tracking device (HWTD). It was observed that a relationship between creep compliance (D(t)) and HWTD… Show more

In this study, a modeling approach is established to predict the rutting performance of asphalt pavement from the laboratory tested dynamic modulus (|E*|). A total of ten asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures were collected from different manufacturing plants in New Mexico. The loose AC mixtures were compacted and furnished to test specimens for testing |E*| and rutting performance with Hamburg Wheel tracking device (HWTD). It was observed that a relationship between creep compliance (D(t)) and HWTD rutting (Rd) of AC can be established. A numerical interconversion technique is used to convert |E*| function to D(t) function. Statistical evaluation showed that a fairly good estimation of rutting performance can be found by using this new predictive model. Show less

This study analyses the effect of gradation in different asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures using the Hamburg Wheel tracking device (HWTD) destructive test. Eight Superpave III (SP III) mixtures with different gradations were collected in New Mexico and tested at three different temperatures (40 °C, 50 °C and 60 °C) and three different air voids (AV) contents range. Coarser and finer gradations were defined using the maximum density line. Three finer gradation and five coarser gradation mixtures… Show more

This study analyses the effect of gradation in different asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures using the Hamburg Wheel tracking device (HWTD) destructive test. Eight Superpave III (SP III) mixtures with different gradations were collected in New Mexico and tested at three different temperatures (40 °C, 50 °C and 60 °C) and three different air voids (AV) contents range. Coarser and finer gradations were defined using the maximum density line. Three finer gradation and five coarser gradation mixtures were compared. Coarse gradation showed better results in all three different test temperatures and AV contents ranges. An AV contents range from 5 to 6.5 percent was considered as optimum for this study. A relation between AV contents and temperature test was not observed.
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Asphalt Concrete (AC) is susceptible to permanent deformation under traffic loading which is
affected by AC temperature, mixture type, gradation, aggregate type, binder type and so on.
There is no complete research in the literature which examined all these factors at the same time.
This study evaluated the above mentioned factors in the deformation behavior of AC. Thin AC
cylindrical samples were prepared using 20 different AC mixtures collected from different
construction sites… Show more

Asphalt Concrete (AC) is susceptible to permanent deformation under traffic loading which is
affected by AC temperature, mixture type, gradation, aggregate type, binder type and so on.
There is no complete research in the literature which examined all these factors at the same time.
This study evaluated the above mentioned factors in the deformation behavior of AC. Thin AC
cylindrical samples were prepared using 20 different AC mixtures collected from different
construction sites in New Mexico (NM). As a first step, effects of test temperatures, type of
aggregate, binder grade, type of mixture and gradation on the permanent deformation of AC
were investigated using the Hamburg Wheel Tracking Device (HWTD). Secondly, the
deformation behavior of the AC (obtained from the HWTD) was modeled using the Weibull
function. Results show, the deformations of AC are sensitive to test temperatures, type of
mixture, gradation, type of aggregate and binder type (Analysis shows that test results
significantly vary with studied parameters). In addition, the effect of air void contents was
studied showing insignificant sensitivity for the studied parameters.
Finally, the rutting behavior of AC mixtures under the different conditions mentioned above
promisingly correlated with the Weibull function. Show less

El presente Trabajo Final de Grado tiene por objetivo principal formular el diseño geométrico de un tramo de carretera pavimentada con refuerzo de geotextiles, situada en Tarija. En relación al diseño del paquete estructural se realizo en base a estudios pertinentes seleccionados para este tipo de carretera, con el método de diseño AASHTO -93 para diseño de pavimento preliminar, posteriormente se utilizo un programa de cálculo de esfuerzos y deformaciones usando el Modelo Multicapa Elástico… Show more

El presente Trabajo Final de Grado tiene por objetivo principal formular el diseño geométrico de un tramo de carretera pavimentada con refuerzo de geotextiles, situada en Tarija. En relación al diseño del paquete estructural se realizo en base a estudios pertinentes seleccionados para este tipo de carretera, con el método de diseño AASHTO -93 para diseño de pavimento preliminar, posteriormente se utilizo un programa de cálculo de esfuerzos y deformaciones usando el Modelo Multicapa Elástico metodología adecuada, para el diseño de pavimentos de este tipo. De esta manera se hallaran los distintos espesores y el tipo de geotextil a ser utilizado en el tramo carretero objetivo del proyecto. Show less