Project Reports

For additional information on the below research projects, please select the following link to contact the appropriate State Materials Office staff: APT/Experimental Project Contacts.

Accelerated Pavement Testing

Completed Projects (Accelerated Pavement Testing)

• Accelerated Pavement Testing Validation of a HMA Gradation-Based Evaluation Method -- PDF-1.53MB -- The FDOT validated the aggregate-based evaluation method using a controlled APT program. This paper presents a description of the aggregate-based evaluation method and the experimental APT program and findings.
• Assessing Appropriate Loading Configuration in Accelerated Pavement Testing -- PDF-628KB -- This study was conducted primarily to assess the different possible loading combinations for accelerated pavement testing using a Heavy Vehicle Simulator [Presentation, PDF-4.37MB]
• Effect of Asphalt Rubber Membrane Interlayer (ARMI) on Instability Rutting and Reflection Cracking of Asphalt Mixture -- The primary objectives of this study were to assess the contribution of an ARMI to instability rutting and to determine the effectiveness of an ARMI to mitigate reflective cracking.
• Effect of Binder Type and Layer Thickness on the Long-Term Performance of Open-Graded Friction Course -- PDF-973KB
• Evaluation and Implementation of a Heavy Polymer Modified Asphalt Binder through Accelerated Pavement Testing -- PDF-520KB -- This report documents the findings of an experimental study to assess the effect of polymer modified PG 76-22 asphalt binder on rutting resistance of Superpave mixtures through Accelerated Pavement Testing; and efforts to implement the use of heavy polymer modified binders.
• Evaluation of Coarse and Fine Graded Superpave Mixtures under Accelerated Pavement Testing -- PDF-266KB -- This report assess the rutting performance of coarse and fine-graded Superpave mixtures under Accelerated Pavement Testing.
• Evaluation of Early Strength Requirement of Concrete for Slab Replacement Using Accelerated Pavement Testing -- PDF-3.86MB -- In this study, five 9-inch thick concrete replacement slabs were constructed at the APT facility at the FDOT Materials Research Park in Gainesville, Florida. The five test slabs were tested by a Heavy Vehicle Simulator.
• Evaluation of Pavement Strain Gauge Repeatability Under Accelerated Pavement Testing -- PDF-1.47MB -- This report evaluates the repeatability of pavement strain gauges currently used in its Accelerated Pavement Testing facility.
• Evaluation of Superpave Mixtures With and Without Polymer Modification By Means of Accelerated Pavement Testing -- PDF-1.30MB -- This study evaluates the long-term performance of Superpave mixtures and modified Superpave mixtures using the Accelerated Pavement Testing facility.
• HVS 9 Interlayer Bonding Study -- PDF-1.29MB
• HVS 10 Scabbing Study -- PDF-1.30MB -- This study evaluates the impact of the Interlayer Scabbing on Pavement Performance.
• Impact of Wide-Base Single Tires on Pavement Damage -- PDF-1.61MB -- This report investigates the pavement damage potential of four tire types including a conventional dual tire, a Super Single, and two newly-designed wide-base single tires. [Presentation, PDF-2.08MB]
• Laser-Based Technology for Automated Rut Measurement in Accelerated Pavement Testing -- PDF-608KB -- This paper describes the efforts of developing a laser based profiling system for measuring and characterizing test pavement surface deformations, as part of Florida�s APT program. [Presentation, PDF-2.26MB]
• TRB: Comparison of a Three-Dimensional  Visco-Elastic Pavement Model with Full-Scale Field Tests -- The primary objective of this study is to validate the applicability of a three-dimensional, visco-elastic finite element model by comparing with strains measured from a full-scale field test.
• TRB: Evaluation of Feasibility of Using Composite Pavements in Florida by Means of Heavy Vehicle Simulator Testing -- The main objectives of this research are (1) to develop analytical models for analysis of the behavior of whitetopping (WT) pavements, (2) to evaluate the potential performance of the WT pavement test sections for use under Florida conditions, and (3) to assess the applicability of WT techniques for rehabilitation of asphalt pavements in Florida. [Presentation, PDF-2.79MB]
• TRB: Rut Initiation Mechanisms in Asphalt Mixtures as Generated Under Accelerated Pavement Testing -- This paper presents a description of the testing program, the data collection effort, and the subsequent analyses and findings, focusing primarily on the initiation mechanisms of rutting in asphalt mixtures as generated and observed under accelerated pavement testing. [ Presentation, PDF-886KB]

Experimental Project Reports

Active Projects in North Florida

• Evaluation of Stress Absorbing Membrane (SAM) -- PDF-1.21MB, Levy County, S.R. 24 -- The objective of this study is to evaluate the relative long-term performance of a section with Stress Absorbing Membrane (SAM) interlayer, a section with SAM placed over pre-existing Soil Stabilized Columns (SSC), compared to a section with no special treatment (control).
• FDOT's Concrete Test Road -- PDF-415KB, Clay County, U.S. 301, Mile Marker 0.116 to 3.510 -- The Florida Concrete Test Road will include 2.5 miles of experimental concrete pavement open to real world traffic.  It will allow for a comprehensive in-service performance assessment of new/emerging concrete pavement technologies and innovative concepts while giving a full consideration to the interaction between factors such as traffic loading, design features, materials properties, construction practices, and environmental conditions.
• Geosynthetic Material Study -- PDF-1.18MB, Alachua County, State Road 331, Section/Subsection 26050 -- The objective of this study is to compare the relative long-term field performance of asphalt base (Type B-12.5) and Limerock underlain with RoaDrain (Synthetic Subsurface Drainage Layer) under high water table condition. [Presentation, PDF-2.08MB]
• Open Graded Crack Relief Layer and Asphalt Rubber Membrane Interlayer to Mitigate Reflective Cracking -- Gadsden County, State Road 10/US-90, Section/Subsection 50010-0000 -- The objective of this project is to evaluate the relative effectiveness of alternative design methods to prevent or delay relative cracking in asphalt pavements.

Active Projects in Central Florida

• Evaluation of Reclaimed  Concrete Aggregate (RCA) as Base Material -- PDF-834KB, Manatee County, State Road 43, Section/Subsection 13020-000 -- The objective of this experimental project is to evaluate the relative long-term field performance of reclaimed concrete aggregate used as a base compared to the performance of a standard limerock base.
• Open-Graded Crack Relief (OGCR) -- PDF-1.04MB, Hernando County, State Road 45, Roadway ID 08010000 -- The objective of this study is to evaluate the relative long-term performance and effectiveness of an open-graded crack relief (OGCR) layer in mitigating reflective cracking.
• Precast Prestressed Concrete Pavement -- PDF-873KB, Volusia County, State Road 600 --  The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the initial performance of precast prestressed post-tensioned concrete pavement (PPCP) as a rehabilitation technique in Florida. The performance of conventional CPR technique will also be evaluated for comparison purposes.
• FDOT and NTPEP Pavement Marking Materials Test Deck -- PDF-373KB, I-4 and I-95 -- The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of pavement marking materials. These materials are used to mark longitudinal lines, transverse lines, messages, and symbols in travel lanes. The types of products installed include tapes, thermoplastics, paints, and two-component materials.

Active Projects in South Florida

• Econocrete Study -- PDF-144KB, Charlotte County, State Road 45/US-41, Section/Subsection 01010-3531 -- The purpose of this project was to study the feasibility of construction and to evaluate the structural and performance characteristics of a composite concrete pavement system consisting of a relatively thin concrete wearing course over econocrete base layer.
• Highlands County Performance Data for the Open-Graded Friction Course Test Sections on US-27 -- Highlands County, US 27 -- The objective of this study it to evaluate the performance of the FDOT's standard open-graded friction course (FC-5), which uses a conventional tack coat prior to mixture placement, to the performance of the same open-graded mixture placed on a thick polymer modified membrane.
• Limerock, Shell Rock and Coquina As a Base Material -- PDF-98KB, St. Lucie County, State Road 70, Section/Subsection 94030-3506 -- The objective of this study is to evaluate the relative long-term field performance of Shell Rock as a base candidate, and using Limerock and Cemented Coquina as the control or standard sections.
• Surface Pavement Solution for Poor Subgrade Conditions -- PDF-103KB, Palm Beach County, State Road 15, Section/Subsection 93140-000 -- The study proposes a field test program encompassing two test sites to evaluate the insitu performance of four different commercially available reinforcing materials in rehabilitating flexible pavements underlain by relatively soft organic soils and peat.

Completed Projects in North Florida

• Asphalt Rubber Membrane Interlayer (ARMI) -- PDF-245KB, Baker County, State Road 2, Section/Subsection 27020-3509 -- The objective of this study is to evaluate the relative long-term field performance of Asphalt Rubber Membrane Interlayers (ARMI).
• Evaluation of Graded Aggregate As A Base Material [Pavement Evaluation Study Number 92-2] -- PDF-14.67MB, Walton County, State Road 83 (331), Section/Subsection 60040-3536/60040-3527
• Ground Tire Rubber in Open Graded Friction Course -- PDF-424KB, Bradford/St. Johns Counties, State Road 16/9 (I-95), Section/Subsection 28030-3508/78080-3423
• Light Fractions in Asphalt -- PDF-268KB, Clay County, State Road 16, Section/Subsection 71050-3512
• Performance Evaluation of Graded Aggregate As A Base Material - Walton County, State Road 30A -- The main objective of the experimental project was to compare the relative long-term performance of a graded aggregate limestone base material to the performance of a standard limerock base.

Completed Projects in South Florida

• Geosynthetic Reinforcement Evaluation -- PDF-227KB, Palm Beach County, State Road 15, Section/Subsection 93130-3508 -- This project was constructed in 1999 to evaluate the performance of Geogrid and Geotextile materials as Base/Subgrade reinforcement layers and separation barriers (embankment reinforcement).
• Geosynthetic Reinforcement Evaluation -- PDF-277KB, Palm Beach County, State Road 80, Section/Subsection 93110-3543
• Long-Term Evaluation of Geosynthetic Reinforcement of a Flexible Pavement Constructed over a Thick Organic Soil Deposit - Palm Beach County, State Road 15, Section/Subsection 931360-3508 -- The Florida Department of Transportation constructed an experimental project on a portion of State Road 15 in Palm Beach County to evaluate the effect of geosynthetic reinforcement on pavement performance.