Chapter 11. Field Materials Sampling and Laboratory Testing Data

11.1 Introduction

Materials data include the data necessary to characterize the various layers of each test section. The following categories of materials data are collected:

• Field Materials Sampling and Testing Data (include field sampling logs, in-situ density and moisture tests, and log of shoulder probe).
• General Laboratory Data (include information on pavement layers as identified from inventory records and as identified in the laboratory).
• AC Test Data.
  • AC Core Thickness.
  • AC Bulk and Maximum Specific Gravities.
  • Asphalt Content.
  • AC Resilient Modulus.
  • AC Moisture Sensitivity.
  • Viscosity of Extracted Binder.
  • Gradation of Extracted AC Aggregate.
  • National Aggregate Association Test for Fine Extracted Aggregate.
• Treated Base/Subbase Test Data.
  • Material Description.
  • Compressive Strength.
  • Resilient Modulus.
• Unbound Base/Subbase Test Data.
  • Gradation and Hydrometer Analysis.
  • Atterberg Limits.
  • Moisture Density Relations.
  • Resilient Modulus.
  • Classification and Description.
  • Natural Moisture Content.
  • Specific Gravity.
• PCC Test Data.
  • Compressive Strength.
  • Splitting Tensile Strength.
  • Static Modulus of Elasticity.
  • Core Examination and Thickness.
  • Coefficient of Thermal Expansion.

The material testing data represent the condition of the material at the time of sampling and testing. Therefore, these results may incorporate the effects of the season and the pavement age at time of sampling and testing.

The primary objective of this testing program is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the pavement layer structure and layer thicknesses of the pavement materials used in each section or project. The work is accomplished by core drilling, augering, test pit opening, sampling, and nuclear density testing along with the subsequent performance of a suite of laboratory material characterization tests. To facilitate the collection of these data, standard laboratory testing protocols and data entry sheets have been developed for recording all data collected in the field and in the laboratory.

The DCG provides some general information regarding the collection of materials data with respect to the LTPP program. Other documents, referenced below, provide more detailed information about the appropriate methodologies to be used in obtaining and reporting these data.

• Data Collection Guide for the Long-Term Pavement Performance Studies, Operational Guide No. SHRP-LTPP-OG-001, SHRP, National Research Council, Washington, DC, January 1988, chapter 8.

• Data Collection Guide for the Long-Term Pavement Performance Studies, Operational Guide No. SHRP-LTPP-OG-001, SHRP, National Research Council, Washington, DC, June 13, 1988, chapter 8.

• Data Collection Guide for the Long-Term Pavement Performance Studies, Operational Guide No. SHRP-LTPP-OG-001, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, McLean, VA, October 1993, chapter 8.

11.2 Sampling

A different approach has been taken in the materials sampling for the GPS experiments and the SPS experiments. In addition, the sampling approach for each SPS experiment is different. Therefore, a separate materials sampling guide was prepared for the GPS test sections, and there is a specific guide for each of the SPS experiments. For each SPS project, a unique sampling and testing plan was prepared before construction of the project. The SPS experiment-specific guidelines provide the approach to be used in preparing the project-specific plans.

11.2.1 GPS Sampling Guidelines

• SHRP-LTPP Guide for Field Materials Sampling, Testing and Handling, Operational Guide No. SHRP-LTPP-OG-006, SHRP, National Research Council, Washington, DC, May 1990.

• SHRP-LTPP Guide for Field Materials Sampling, Handling, and Testing, Operational Guide No. SHRP-LTPP-OG-006, SHRP, National Research Council, Washington, DC, February 1991.

11.2.2 SPS Sampling Guidelines

Below are the references for the sampling guidelines for use in each SPS experiment.

• Specific Pavement Studies, Materials Sampling and Testing Requirements for Experiment SPS–1, Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Flexible Pavements, Operational Memorandum No. SHRP-LTPP-OM-021, SHRP, National Research Council, Washington, DC, February 1991.

• Specific Pavement Studies, Materials Sampling and Testing Requirements for Experiment SPS–1, Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Flexible Pavements, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, McLean, VA, January 1994.

• Specific Pavement Studies, Materials Sampling and Testing Requirements for Experiment SPS–2, Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Rigid Pavements, Operational Memorandum No. SHRP-LTPP-OM-022, SHRP, National Research Council, Washington, DC, April 1991.

• Specific Pavement Studies, Materials Sampling and Testing Requirements for Experiment SPS–2, Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Rigid Pavements, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, McLean, VA, November 27, 1992.

• Specific Pavement Studies, Materials Sampling and Testing Requirements for Experiment SPS–2, Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Rigid Pavements, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, McLean, VA, March 30, 1994.

• Specific Pavement Studies, Materials Sampling and Testing Requirements for Experiment SPS–2, Strategic Study of Structural Factors for Rigid Pavements, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, McLean, VA, June 1994.

• Specific Pavement Studies, Materials Sampling and Testing Requirements for Experiment SPS–5, Rehabilitation of Asphalt Concrete Pavements, Operational Memorandum No. SHRP-LTPP-OM-014, SHRP, National Research Council, Washington, DC, October 1990.

• Specific Pavement Studies, Materials Sampling and Testing Requirements for Experiment SPS–6, Rehabilitation of Jointed Portland Cement Concrete Pavements, Operational Memorandum No. SHRP-LTPP-OM-019, SHRP, National Research Council, Washington, DC, January 1991.

• Specific Pavement Studies, Materials Sampling and Testing Requirements for Experiment SPS–7, Bonded Portland Cement Concrete Overlay of Concrete Pavements, Operational Memorandum No. SHRP-LTPP-OM-020, SHRP, National Research Council, Washington, DC, January 1991.

• Specific Pavement Studies, Materials Sampling and Testing Requirements for Experiment SPS–8, Study of Environmental Effects in the Absence of Heavy Loads, Operational Memorandum No. SHRP-LTPP-OM-030, SHRP, National Research Council, Washington, DC, August 1992.

• Specific Pavement Studies, Materials Sampling and Testing Requirements for Experiment SPS–9, Validation of SHRP Asphalt Specifications and Mix Design and Innovations in Asphalt Pavements, SHRP, National Research Council, Washington, DC, February 1993.

• Specific Pavement Studies, Materials Sampling and Testing Requirements for Experiment SPS–9A, Superpave Asphalt Binder Study, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, McLean, VA, February 1996.

11.3 Testing

This guide provides detailed instructions for performing and documenting laboratory testing and information on laboratory processing of samples. It also contains the individual protocols used in laboratory testing along with the methods for disposing of the samples once testing has been completed. The revisions listed below generally include the submittal of a new or revised protocol for a particular test via a materials directive.

• SHRP-LTPP Interim Guide for Laboratory Materials Handling and Testing (PCC, Bituminous Materials, Aggregates and Soils), Operational Guide No. SHRP-LTPP-OG-004, SHRP, National Research Council, Washington, DC, November 1989.

• SHRP-LTPP Interim Guide for Laboratory Materials Handling and Testing (PCC, Bituminous Materials, Aggregates and Soils), Operational Guide No. SHRP-LTPP-OG-004, SHRP, National Research Council, Washington, DC, April 1990.

• SHRP-LTPP Interim Guide for Laboratory Materials Handling and Testing (PCC, Bituminous Materials, Aggregates and Soils), Operational Guide No. SHRP-LTPP-OG-004, SHRP, National Research Council, Washington, DC, June 1990.

• SHRP-LTPP Interim Guide for Laboratory Materials Handling and Testing (PCC, Bituminous Materials, Aggregates and Soils), Operational Guide No. SHRP-LTPP-OG-004, SHRP, National Research Council, Washington, DC, December 1990.

• SHRP-LTPP Interim Guide for Laboratory Materials Handling and Testing (PCC, Bituminous Materials, Aggregates and Soils), Operational Guide No. SHRP-LTPP-OG-004, SHRP, National Research Council, Washington, DC, February 1991.

• SHRP-LTPP Interim Guide for Laboratory Materials Handling and Testing (PCC, Bituminous Materials, Aggregates and Soils), Operational Guide No. SHRP-LTPP-OG-004, SHRP, National Research Council, Washington, DC, November 1991.

• SHRP-LTPP Interim Guide for Laboratory Materials Handling and Testing (PCC, Bituminous Materials, Aggregates and Soils), Operational Guide No. SHRP-LTPP-OG-004, SHRP, National Research Council, Washington, DC, January 1992.

• SHRP-LTPP Interim Guide for Laboratory Materials Handling and Testing (PCC, Bituminous Materials, Aggregates and Soils), Operational Guide No. SHRP-LTPP-OG-004, SHRP, National Research Council, Washington, DC, May 1992.

Additional revisions were made to the guides via directive. Table 3 provides the date, directive number and basic description of each of these revisions.

Table 3. Revision to Interim Guide for Laboratory Materials Handling and Testing

A separate document has been prepared to provide guidance on the methodology used in establishing the pavement structure on the various test sections at SPS projects.

• Specific Pavement Studies, Pavement Layering Methodology, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, McLean, VA, January 1994.

• Specific Pavement Studies, Pavement Layering Methodology, FHWA, Pavement Performance Division, McLean, VA, December 1994.

Previous | Table of Contents

Events

• View all Upcoming Pavements Events

More Information

• Pavement Publications

Contact

Aramis Lopez
Turner Fairbank
202-493-3145
E-mail Aramis